Abstract
Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection often associated with osteoarticular
involvement. In the current report, we described a case of
brucellosis-induced avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip. A 28-year-old
rural female with a chief complaint of right lower limb claudication for
two weeks was admitted into the infectious disease ward. She was
diagnosed with brucellosis one month ago, for which she received
standard medications. Her brucellosis was confirmed via serological
tests, i.e., Wright’s test, 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME), and Coombs Wright.
Because of her right lower limb claudication and reduced range of motion
in the right hip joint, pelvic radiography was performed, indicating
AVN. Then, this clinical suspicion was further confirmed by ultrasound
(US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip. Because of the
unreversible damage to the head of her right femur, a total hip
replacement surgery was suggested for this patient after consultation
with an orthopedic surgeon. Then, she was discharged from the hospital
after her arthralgia had improved, and she could walk without aid.
Brucellosis is considered a thousand face infection due to its
long-lasting side effects. Therefore, in endemic regions, more attention
should be paid to suspected cases of brucellosis for any diagnosing and
treating any common or uncommon complications.