Brucellosis and rheumatic syndromes in Saudi Arabia.
Seventy-three episodes of brucellosis in 55 patients are reported. Twenty-two had a systemic illness, 10 arthritis, 10 spondylitis, and four arthritis and spondylitis. Cultures were positive in 77% of cases where appropriate methods were used. A number of rheumatic syndromes may be mimicked by brucellosis and others may coexist with it. A high index of suspicion should prevail in the evaluation of patients from endemic areas.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000150:complications; D001170:Arthritis, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis; D002006:Brucellosis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012529:Saudi Arabia; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013166:Spondylitis / Q000150:complications; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000166:cytology