Patient on Immunomodulatory Therapy Experiencing Joint Pain and Skin Lesions: A Case Report

Jason D. Greenwood, Nathaniel Nielsen, Nathaniel E. Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A woman in her late fifties was admitted to the Family Medicine Inpatient Service directly from Rheumatology clinic for polyarticular pain and erythema with concern for infection. She was taking immunosuppressant medications for a history of multiple autoimmune diseases. Examination showed increasing erythema and tenderness on the upper and lower extremity joints. Histologic evaluation, surgical evaluation, and cultures were consistent with mycobacterium haemophilum infection. Mycobacterium haemophilum is an uncommon opportunistic infection that usually affects immunocompromised patients. The patient was treated with a multi-drug antibiotic regimen for several months due to drug resistance. Although this opportunistic infection is not common it should be considered in the differential of immunocompromised patients with skin and articular symptoms. Treatment outcomes are usually favorable if it caught earlier in the course.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of Primary Care and Community Health
Volume12
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Keywords

  • arthralgia
  • cutaneous lesions
  • immunosuppressed
  • mycobacterium haemophilum
  • rheumatologic disease

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Community and Home Care
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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