Salmonella Osteomyelitis in a Patient With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Although infections occur commonly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Salmonella osteomyelitis is rarely reported in SLE patients. Hereby, we described an SLE case which was complicated by Salmonella infection. The reported case was referred to our center with right knee swelling and pain from 2 months before her admission. Because of no responding to appropriate therapy and high C reactive protein (CRP) level, we suspected to other differential diagnosis such as infection. Knee MRI was in favor of osteomyelitis of distal femur and proximal tibia. It was approved by the bone specimen culture. Patient's symptoms were significantly better 1 month after debridement surgery and antibiotic therapy. This case indicates that rare infection site such as bone with unusual organism causes should be considered in SLE patients coming with unexpected symptoms looking like prolonged joint swelling and pain despite appropriate therapy.