람블 편모충 ( Giardiasis ) 감염에 의해 발현된 반응성 관절염 ( Reactive arthritis )

• Published in: The Korean journal of medicine Vol. 61; no. 1; pp. 82 - 85
• Main Authors: 김종표, Jong Pyo Kim, 이인홍, In Hong Lee, 정자현, Ja Hun Jung, 손영우, Young Woo Sohn, 김태환, Tae Hwan Kim, 전재범, Jae Bum Jun, 정성수, Sung Soo Jung, 전용철, Yong Chul Jeon, 배상철, Sang Cheol Bae, 유대현, Dae Hyun Yoo, 김성윤, Seong Yoon Kim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한내과학회 01.07.2001
• ISSN: 1738-9364

Giardia lamblia, a gastrointestinal protozoan, is one of the most common disease-causing parasites in the world. Giardiasis is primarily encountered in areas with poor sanitation, but it is also seen in more developed countries. A possible sequela of Giardia infections of the bowel is reactive arthritis or synovitis. Few reports of synovitis secondary to giardiasis exist in the literature. Arthropathy secondary to giardiasis is uncommon, but may be underdiagnosed. We present a 23 year-old woman who had polyarthritis after Giardia lamblia infestation. The synovitis subsided with treatment of the giardiasis with metronidazole. The diagnosis of Giardia synovitis should be suspected by the presence of Giardia cysts in the stool. Although uncommon, giardiasis can cause severe synovitis that may be confused with a septic joint. (Korean J Med 61:82-85, 2001)