Poncet Disease

Q: Poncet disease by definition is? (select one)

A) an infectious disease

B) an inflammatory disease

Answer: B

Poncet disease is characterized by four conditions 

• acute
• symmetric
• polyarthritic (small and large joints)
• associated with active TB

Although it is associated with active extrapulmonary, pulmonary, or miliary TB, it is an inflammatory response without any objective evidence of active TB. The probable cause is immune-mediated. HIV is considered to be a risk factor.

It resolves within a few weeks of initiation of anti-TB therapy. Fortunately, it does not leave any residual joint destruction.

#ID

#rheumatology

References:

1. Isaacs AJ, Sturrock RD. Poncet's disease--fact or fiction? A re-appraisal of tuberculous rheumatism. Tubercle 1974; 55:135.

Sood R, Wali JP, Handa R. Poncet's disease in a north Indian hospital. Trop Doct 1999; 29:33.

2. Arora S, Prakash TV, Carey RA, Hansdak SG. Poncet's disease: unusual presentation of a common disease. Lancet 2016; 387:617.

3. Kawsar M, D'Cruz D, Nathan M, Murphy M. Poncet's disease in a patient with AIDS. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2001; 40:346.

4. Kroot EJ, Hazes JM, Colin EM, Dolhain RJ. Poncet's disease: reactive arthritis accompanying tuberculosis. Two case reports and a review of the literature. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2007; 46:484.