Which condition presents in the age range 20-40 and predominantly affects men?

Which condition presents in the age range 20-40 and predominantly affects men?

• A. Ankylosing spondylitis
• B. Gout
• C. Reiter's syndrome
• D. Osteoid osteoma

Answer: (C)

This item tests recognizing a post-infectious inflammatory arthritis that commonly occurs in young men. Reiter’s syndrome, or reactive arthritis, typically presents in men around 20–40 years old and often follows a genitourinary or gastrointestinal infection. The pattern is inflammatory arthritis plus possible urethritis and conjunctivitis, reflecting its post-infectious, immune-mediated nature. That combination—young-to-mid adult male, after an infection, with inflammatory joint involvement—fits best. Ankylosing spondylitis also affects young men but centers on inflammatory back pain and axial involvement rather than a recent infection. Gout tends to appear later in life, especially in men, with episodic joint inflammation linked to urate crystals rather than a post-infectious trigger. Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor common in younger patients, usually presenting as focal bone pain rather than a systemic post-infectious inflammatory pattern.

This item tests recognizing a post-infectious inflammatory arthritis that commonly occurs in young men. Reiter’s syndrome, or reactive arthritis, typically presents in men around 20–40 years old and often follows a genitourinary or gastrointestinal infection. The pattern is inflammatory arthritis plus possible urethritis and conjunctivitis, reflecting its post-infectious, immune-mediated nature. That combination—young-to-mid adult male, after an infection, with inflammatory joint involvement—fits best.

Ankylosing spondylitis also affects young men but centers on inflammatory back pain and axial involvement rather than a recent infection. Gout tends to appear later in life, especially in men, with episodic joint inflammation linked to urate crystals rather than a post-infectious trigger. Osteoid osteoma is a benign bone tumor common in younger patients, usually presenting as focal bone pain rather than a systemic post-infectious inflammatory pattern.