Abstract

A 72-year-old man was admitted to hospital after a syncopal attack. Investigations showed anaemia and adenocarcinoma of the colon. After tumour resection with end to end anastomosis he had a urinary catheter in situ for two days, but otherwise his recovery was unremarkable, until 13 weeks after operation when he developed classical Reiter's disease. Investigations did not reveal any known trigger factor but it is postulated that the process may have been initiated by urinary catheterisation or bowel surgery.