isotretinoin and Myositis

BACKGROUND Retinoid-induced myositis is a rare condition encountered in clinical practice. Its occurrence implies a diagnostic challenge due to the multiple causes associated with myopathic syndromes. The most common clinical presentation is generalized affection. Focal myositis is even less frequent and easily misdiagnosed as muscular disease of other etiology. CASE REPORT We describe a case of 45-year-old male with a history of nephrolithiasis and rosacea diagnosed by dermatology, who was management with isotretinoin 1 mg/kg per day in 2 doses with clinical improvement. Later, he presents muscle pain in the upper limbs with marked functional limitation associated by choluria, without muscular pains in other location; he had no history of using another medication. At his physical examination, vital signs were normal, with edema and pain in the bilateral bicipital region associated with limitation for flexion-extension of shoulders and elbows and high levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK). He was transferred to the intensive care unit where he received fluid therapy because of the high risk of deterioration of renal function, very high CPK levels, and a history of obstructive uropathy. One year after this hospitalization, the cutaneous symptoms worsened and the patient voluntarily restarted isotretinoin and 5 months later he presented again with the same symptoms of the first episode. CONCLUSIONS Drug-induced myositis should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of myopathic syndromes. Retinoids have the potential to cause varying degrees of myositis and their rapid identification could prevent major complications.

Topics: Dermatologic Agents; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Isotretinoin; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Myositis; Rosacea

We present a patient in whom a combination of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive vasculitis, oligoarthritis, tendinitis, and myositis was considered to be associated with isotretinoin use. Discontinuation of the drug resulted in complete clinical and biochemical remission (normalization of perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody titer). Although we were unable to prove causality, no other underlying cause for the patient's course was found. We report this occurrence to bring it to the attention of physicians prescribing isotretinoin.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic; Arthritis; Dermatologic Agents; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Isotretinoin; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Myositis; Skin; Tendinopathy; Vasculitis; Withholding Treatment