[Hans Reiter, German physician, 1881-1969]
Reiter's syndrome is an arthritic disorder predominantly of adult males, resulting from infection with Shigella flexneri, Salmonella, Yersinia, or Chlamydia or from enterocolitis.
It most often affects the ankles, feet, and sacroiliac joints and is usually associated with conjunctivitis and urethritis.
The onset may be marked by unexplained diarrhea and low grade fever, followed in 2 to 4 weeks by conjunctivitis. Superficial ulcers may form lesions on the palms and the soles. Arthritis usually persists after the conjunctivitis and urethritis subside, but it may become episodic.
Tx includes a short course of tetracycline to tx the infection and phenylbutazone to relieve pain and inflammation in the joint. Sexual partners should also be tested. Recovery is expected, but recurrent arthritic symptoms may continue for several years.
See also dactylitis, reactive arthritis.
SOURCE: Mosby's medical, nursing, & allied health dictionary. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2002.
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