Reiter's syndrome
Key points
- Reiter's syndrome is a group of symptoms consisting of arthritis (inflammation of the joints), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eye), and lesions of the skin and mucous membranes.
- It occurs most commonly in men before the age of 40.
- Signs and tests The diagnosis is based on symptoms.
- The illness may resolve in 3 to 4 months, but up to one-half of those affected experience recurrences of the arthritis or other symptoms of the syndrome over a period of several years.
Alternative names
Reactive arthritis
Definition
Reiter's syndrome is a group of symptoms consisting of arthritis (inflammation of the joints), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the lining of the eye), and lesions of the skin and mucous membranes. The cause is unknown.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The exact cause of Reiter's syndrome is unknown. It occurs most commonly in men before the age of 40. It may follow an infection with Chlamydia, Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Yersinia. There may be a genetic predisposition to the syndrome.
The symptoms of urethritis usually appear within days or weeks of infection followed by a low-grade fever, conjunctivitis, and arthritis developing over the next several weeks. The arthritis may be mild or severe with involvement being asymmetric and in more than one joint.
The risk factors for the syndrome include infection with Chlamydia, Campylobacter, Salmonella, or Yersinia; being male; and possibly, genetic predisposition. The disorder is rare in younger children, but may occur in adolescents.
Symptoms
- urinary urgency
- urethral discharge
- burning or stinging on urination
- redness of the eye
- discharge from the eye
- burning eye pain
- Joint pain in the large joints (hip pain, Knee pain, and ankle pain are common)
- low back pain
- heel pain
- Achilles tendon pain
- small, painless ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and glans penis
- skin lesions on the palms and soles that may resemble psoriasis
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
- urinary hesitancy
- skin redness or inflammation
- penis pain
- incontinence
- genital lesions (male)
- arthritis
Signs and tests
The diagnosis is based on symptoms. Since the symptoms may occur at different times, the diagnosis may be delayed. A physical examination may reveal conjunctivitis or typical skin lesions.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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