Abstract
While not the only form of reactive arthrits, Reiters syndrome is the eponym given to a form of reactive arthritis associated with with the classice triad of conjuntivitis, urethritis, and inflammatory arthritis. Although in popular use, the term Reiters syndrome has become clouded, not only because of the variable pathophysiology of reactive arthritis, but also because of Reiters own past as an early member of the Nazi party and his prominent role in the German health system during the Thrid Reich, including involvement with involuntary medical procedures and experiments in Nazi concentration camps. As is often the case, the eponym attached to the syndrome does not honor the original describers of the disease, although doubtless Reiters account remains the classic description. We offer a brief historical review of the disease, and complete it with a translation into English of Reiters original publication.
Keywords: reiter's syndrome, reactive arthritis
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