April 11, 2008

Diagnosis of Reiter’s Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis)

Posted in Category : Bone, Joint & Muscles Disorders

Diagnosis of Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis is very important for treating Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis condition. With proper diagnosis of Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis condition, you can rule out the possibilities of other severe types of disorders and diseases. Identifying symptoms and finding causes for Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis condition is recommended. After that correct diagnosis of Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis condition is the best way to treat and cure Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis condition.

Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis is inflammatory reaction syndrome, observed as a reaction to the infection in any part of the body. With Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis), typically intestinal and urogenital infections occurs. The causes and risks involved are primarily in to following three body areas; mainly body joints, eyes and genital or urinary track. Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis) can be seen in men as well women. Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis) is a RF-seronegative, a HLA-B27 linked spondyloarthropathy often assisted with infections in our body.

However, there are no fixed tests or methods for diagnosis of Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis in our body. Perhaps, certain different tests and methods are there from which we can round up on the possibility of Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis condition. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate ESR test is a test wherein rate of fall of red blood cells to the bottom of test tube is measured. When there is swelling and inflammation, clumps are formed in the red blood cells and thus they fall down more quickly. More the rate of fall, more are the chance of existence of Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis. Then there are certain tests for the infection, which is usually linked with Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis includes test for Chlamydia bacteria.

Then test like arthrocentesis for the joint aspiration is performed. Herein, needle is inserted in joints and sample of synovial liquid is collected for lab tests. Then other lab tests include testing of urine and stool samples for detailed analysis. X-ray test is also useful in checking the intensity of Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis. With X-ray we get the exact insight view of the affected area. We can see swelling, infection, and other effects of Reiter’s syndrome or Reactive arthritis in our body.

Apart from this, there are different blood tests from which we can rule out the possibility of other arthritis like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Gram stain, culture and other different test are performed for detection of infection.