Polyarthritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection.

Abstract

Two cases of polyarthritis associated with hepatitis C infection are reported. In Patient 1, stiffness and polyarthritis occurred during the acute stage of hepatitis. The arthritic symptoms lasted for 4 months. A transient polyarthritis recurred 4 yr later. The persistent presence of anti-hepatitis C viral antibodies was noted. Hepatitis C viral RNA (HCV RNA) was identified in the serum using the polymerase chain reaction proving that the patient was a carrier. In Patient 2, polyarthritis occurred associated with chronic hepatitis C liver disease. Synovial biopsy showed infiltration of mononuclear cells. HCV RNA was demonstrated in both serum and SF. These cases suggest an aetiologic association between arthritis and hepatitis C antigenaemia.

• Authors: Y Ueno, R Kinoshita, I Kishimoto, S Okamoto
• Journal: British journal of rheumatology (Br J Rheumatol) Vol. 33 Issue 3 Pg. 289-91 (Mar 1994) ISSN: 0263-7103 [Print] England
• PMID: 7512422 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hepatitis Antibodies
• Hepatitis C Antibodies

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Arthritis (etiology)
• Base Sequence
• Hepatitis Antibodies (blood)
• Hepatitis C (complications)
• Hepatitis C Antibodies
• Humans
• Male
• Molecular Sequence Data