Recurrence of septic arthritis of the wrist by Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to colonization of a central venous indwelling catheter

A diabetic patient, wearer of a port and with a history of gonarthritis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa presented with subacute arthritis of a wrist. After a protracted interval P. aeruginosa was detected by microbial culture from the explanted port and the affected joint. This case shows that in patients with unclear arthritis of the wrist, a history of septic arthritis with P. aeruginosa and risk factors for hematogenous spread, a recurrent infection should be excluded. The treatment consisted of explantation of the port, débridement with synovectomy of the joint and adequate antibiotic treatment.