Open AccessAcute parvovirus B19 infection presenting as rheumatoid arthritis mimic
Author(s) -
Vijay Alexander,
Sohini Das,
Austin Saju Mangan,
Ramya Iyadurai
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of family medicine and primary care
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2278-7135
pISSN - 2249-4863
DOI - 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_25_19
Subject(s) - medicine , polyarthritis , parvovirus , rheumatoid arthritis , arthritis , serology , rheumatoid factor , joint pain , immunology , dermatology , antibody , virus
Acute parvovirus B19 infection can cause acute symmetric polyarthritis indistinguishable from polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis. Most cases of acute arthritis due to parvovirus B19 are self-limiting and resolve with symptomatic treatment. We present a 65-year-old lady from Southern India who presented with history of fever and joint pain for 10 days. Clinical examination revealed symmetric inflammatory arthritis involving the appendicular skeleton with predominant involvement of bilateral metacarpophalageal joints. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated inflammatory markers with negative serology for rheumatoid arthritis. Parvovirus B19 IgM antibody tested positive. She was initiated on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with which her symptoms resolved completely.