Mumps arthritis: unusual presentation as adult Still's disease

Abstract

The clinical spectrum of Still's disease suggests disseminated infection. Although the cause of this syndrome remains unknown, recent case reports have noted its association with various viruses. Increased antiviral titers to rubella, coxsackieviruses, and adenovirus have been noted in patients with syndromes similar to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. We describe a patient with apparent adult Still's disease in whom a significant rise in mumps antibody titers was observed. Arthritis in association with mumps infection is a relatively rare condition. To our knowledge, this is the first report of mumps virus infection related to a disorder similar to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.