Adult-onset Still's disease after environmental exposure while working in Africa

Abstract

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is characterised by a constellation of systemic inflammatory symptoms and typical laboratory findings like hyperferritinaemia. A high index of suspicion is needed to identify patients as diagnosis is primarily clinical and significant morbidity can result from delayed diagnosis. While AOSD may be self-limited, some patients experience flares over years and require more aggressive treatment approaches. Aetiology is unknown but can be triggered by viral infections and other environmental factors in a susceptible genetic host. We present a case of AOSD triggered after exposure to a sap-like liquid while working in Africa. This inciting event occurred as part of a hostile act towards the patient and involved medicinal practices traditional to the area. Our case highlights the more chronic course of AOSD, which requires escalating biological treatment to avoid long-term corticosteroids, as well as the juncture between traditional and modern medical practices.

Keywords: global health; medical management; musculoskeletal syndromes; rheumatology.