A Case Of D-Penicillamine Induced Polymyositis / 대한류마티스학회지

ABSTRACT

Polymyositis can develop infrequently as one of the autoimmune complications of D-penicillamine treatment, but its exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Suspicion of D-penicillamine induced polymyositis should be followed by immediate drug withdrawal and confirmation of diagnosis by determination of muscle enzymes, EMG and biopsy. Most patients recover from polymyositis completely within 6 months after drug withdrawal, even though steroid may be used in severe conditions. Suspicion of pre-existing low-grade myopathy or myositis should possibly be regarded as a relative contraindication to D-penicillamine treatment and analysis of muscle enzymes should be followed regularly. We experienced a case of rheumatoid arthritis who developed polymyositis after treatment of D-penicillamine for about 5 weeks(total dosage 3500mg) in a 47-year-old female and report this with a review of literature.