Lyme Arthritis in 20 Children Residing in a Non-Endemic Area

Abstract

In non-endemic areas of the country, Lyme disease may not be considered in children who present with arthritis. This report details the clinical features of Lyme arthritis in 20 children residing in central Virginia. All patients presented with transient, often recurrent oligoarthritis of large joints, particularly the knee. Most patients were referred with a presumptive diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). This report reiterates the clinical presentation of Lyme arthritis in children and reminds physicians to consider the diagnosis of Lyme arthritis in children who present with acute arthritis even if they reside in a non-endemic area of the country. In addition, it differentiates the clinical presentation of Lyme arthritis from JRA.