Poncet's disease (tubercular rheumatism) - a case report

Abstract

Poncet's disease is a rare condition in childhood. It occurs due to immunological reaction to tubercular protein resulting in reactive arthritis and manifest with polyarthritis associated with features of active tuberculosis. We are reporting a case of Poncet's disease that was initially treated as a case of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) without any improvement. The diagnosis was made clinically from history and physical findings with supportive radiological findings and confirmed by granulomatous changes on FNAC. Our patient improved dramatically after treatment with anti-tubercular drugs. Though very rare, Poncet's disease should be strongly considered in the differential diagnosis of fever and polyarthritis of obscure cause, especially in tubercular endemic countries like ours.