Disseminated gonorrhea may present with septic arthritis and which additional finding?

• A. LAD
• B. Joint pain
• C. Peripheral skin lesions
• D. Abdominal pain

Answer: (C)

Disseminated gonococcal infection often presents with septic arthritis plus dermatitis; the skin findings are a key accompanying feature. The bacteria circulating in the blood can cause small, perifollicular, non-tender skin lesions that are pustular or vesicular, typically on the trunk and limbs. This dermatitis–tenosynovitis–arthritis triad is characteristic of the disseminated form.

So, when septic arthritis is seen in a patient with disseminated gonorrhea, the best additional finding to look for is peripheral skin lesions. Lymphadenopathy is not a typical part of this presentation, and while joint pain can occur, the distinctive accompanying sign is the skin eruption. Abdominal pain isn’t part of the usual pattern.