Poncet disease, tuberculosis-arthritis: a case report in upper Egypt and a review of the literature

Reactive arthritis in tuberculosis (TB) is known as Poncet’s disease, a rare aseptic form of arthritis characterized by polyarticular impairment observed in patients with active TB, with no evidence of direct bacillary invasion of the joints. The literature related to this syndrome is scarce and restricted to case reports, which contributes to its underdiagnosis. This study aimed at reporting a case of Poncet’s arthritis diagnosed at our hospital, and at reviewing the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects involved; hence, we describe a case of Poncet’s disease in a 13-year-old girl whose reactive arthritis overshadowed other clinical symptoms of TB, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Anti-TB treatment was initiated. Clinical remission occurred after 2 weeks and the diagnosis of Poncet’s arthritis was established, concluding that taking a thorough medical history and performing relevant examinations and investigations for possible TB, especially in endemic areas, will help expedite the diagnostic process even in the absence of TB symptoms.