There is no specific test to confirm the presence or absence of a reactive arthritis. Diagnosis is made on clinical grounds. It is important to consider and exclude the differential diagnosis of acute gonococcal arthritis. Taking urethral swabs for gonococcal cultures can do this, and, unlike a reactive arthritis, gonococcal arthritis will respond quickly to penicillin treatment Reiter's syndrome lasts between days and months. Treatment is based on relieving the symptoms, and the maintenance of function of the joints.
Physiotherapy is essential to maintain mobility and function of the joints.
The urethritis may respond to the use of an appropriate course of antibiotics, but there is no evidence that they affect the associated reactive arthritis. To view the answers to this Picture Quiz, Click here . This picture quiz was prepared by Kirsty Rogerson , senior house officer, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool Submissions for this page should include signed consent to publication from the patient. Please use the consent form available here .