Reiter's syndrome: a male and female disease.

A diagnosis of Reiter's syndrome was made in 12 males and 13 females based on an asymmetrical oligoarthritis with lower extremity predominance and at least 1 characteristic extraarticular manifestation. The pattern of disease was similar in both sexes; females had more extensive upper extremity joint involvement and ocular inflammation; males had more nonbacterial urethritis. Eighty-two % of males and 62% of females were HLA-B27 positive. We suggest that Reiter's syndrome has not been diagnosed in more females in the past because of an historical bias, a reliance on the complete classical triad, and confusion with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.