Practical differential diagnosis in acute arthritis
Mahrenholtz, M.; Langer, H.E.
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift 140(12): 319-320
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5341 PMID: 2204215 Document Number: 360604
The most common cause for acute arthritis are crystal arthropathies, sero-negative spondarthritides and reactive inflammatory arthritis. In any case, the possibility of a purulent-septic arthritis must be excluded because of the prognostic consequences. Precise rheumatological case history and careful examination are relevant tools in providing a differential diagnosis; laboratory findings may be of great help as well. A flow-chart is suggested for rational diagnosis.