LES ARTHRITES VIRALES DE L'ENFANT

Viral arthritis in children is reviewed. Clinical features are studied: monoarticular disease is most usual, but polyarticular involvement is possible and may be mistaken for arthritis due to others causes; the course is spontaneously benign in an overwhelming majority of cases, but recurrent and even chronic joint disease have been reported. Laboratory investigations are not helpful for establishing diagnosis. Indications of arthrocentesis are discussed. Viral arthritis is mainly due to rubella virus, hepatitis viruses, and arboviruses. Other viruses responsible for common pediatric diseases such as varicella and mumps may cause arthritis. Two of several physiopathological mechanisms are discussed, i.e. the direct consequences of viral replication in synovial tissues and immunologic processes.