Disseminated gonococcal infection: an unusual presentation

• Main Authors: Saroj Lohani, Salik Nazir, Niranjan Tachamo, Nitin Patel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2016-07-01
• Series: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives
• Subjects: disseminated; gonococcus; tenosynovitis; culture; rash; arthritis
• Online Access: http://www.jchimp.net/index.php/jchimp/article/view/31841/pdf_172

Gonococcus typically affects the mucosal surfaces but in rare cases can spread to bloodstream causing disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). The usual presentation of DGI is rash, polyarthralgia, and tenosynovitis. We present the case of a 23-year-old female who presented to our hospital with pustular rash and tenosynovitis of hand and was sent home on Augmentin. Her symptoms worsened despite treatment and she presented back to the ED. On investigation, she was found to have DGI and was appropriately treated. DGI should be kept in mind in sexually active youngsters who have only one or two features of the classic triad of rash, tenosynovitis, and arthritis. Timely management and appropriate treatment of DGI is very important to avoid complications and morbidity.