Question

question 21 (mandatory) (2 points) a 28 - year old man complains of burning pain on urination, as well as pain in his fingers/toes and left eye. he also relates a recent episode of bacillary diarrhea contracted during a visit to mexico. physical examination confirms arthritis and conjunctivitis. the patient responds well to treatment with anti - inflammatory agents. which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? degenerative arthritis reactive arthritis suppurative arthritis gouty arthritis

Explanation:

Reactive arthritis often follows an infection (such as the bacillary diarrhea this patient had), and presents with symptoms like arthritis, conjunctivitis, and urogenital or mucocutaneous symptoms. The patient's history of diarrhea and presence of arthritis, conjunctivitis, along with response to anti - inflammatory agents, strongly point towards reactive arthritis. Degenerative arthritis is mainly due to wear - and - tear and not associated with these additional symptoms. Suppurative arthritis is an infection of the joint usually with purulent discharge and more severe systemic symptoms. Gouty arthritis is related to uric acid crystal deposition and typically presents with sudden, severe joint pain, often in the big toe first.

Answer:

B. Reactive arthritis