Gonorrhoea with skin and joint manifestations

Abstract

Three cases of gonorrhoea with pyrexia and lesions of the skin and joints (benign gonococcaemia) seen in one hospital group in 1969 within four months of one another are described. All three patients improved rapidly with penicillin therapy. This syndrome is commoner than is usually thought. It must therefore be borne in mind when a diagnosis is in doubt in a patient with unusual skin lesions and joint involvement. Thorough bacteriological investigation is necessary before starting treatment. The relevant literature is reviewed.