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D-penicillamine-induced myositis in rheumatoid arthritis

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Summary

D-penicillamine, an agent still used in the treatment of rheumatoïd arthritis (RA) may produce inflammatory myopathy or myositis. Some reported cases are documented with muscle biopsy. We report a 34-year old female, receiving the drug for more than 4 years, who consulted us with recently developed proximal muscle pain and weakness. EMG-findings were typical for inflammatory muscle disease; muscle enzymes remained normal. D-penicillamine was stopped and she was started on prednisolone with rapid improvement. The EMG-findings, with follow-up within three months, proved to be a good diagnostic tool, in the absence of laboratory muscle enzymes abnormalities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rheumatology, Middleheim Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium

    R. Chappel & J. Willems

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  1. R. Chappel
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  2. J. Willems
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Additional information

Correspondence to: Algemeen Ziekenhuis Middelheim Dienst Fysische Geneeskunde en Reumatologie Lindendreef 1 2020 Antwerpen, BELGIUM

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Chappel, R., Willems, J. D-penicillamine-induced myositis in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Rheumatol 15, 86–87 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231694

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02231694

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