The variable clinical picture of arthritis induced by human parvovirus B19. Report of seven adult cases and review of the literature.

Seven patients with arthritis due to infection with human parvovirus B19 are reported, and the literature association reviewed. B19 virus arthritis most frequently affects young to middle aged women and occurs predominantly during the first six months of the year. The majority of cases have oligoarthritis or polyarthritis, and the joints most often involved are the proximal interphalangeal joints and knees. Of the seven patients reported, one case developed systemic lupus erythematosus, one case evolved into erosive, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis while one case was subsequently diagnosed as undifferentiated connective tissue disease.