Polymyositis after propylthiouracil treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Abstract

An additional disorder in the spectrum of thyroid related muscle disease is presented. Hypothyroid and hyperthyroid disease are both associated with a variety of muscle abnormalities, from myalgias to myopathy. Polymyositis, however, has never been reported immediately after treatment for active hyperthyroidism. A patient is presented with typical hyperthyroidism, who developed a severe proximal muscle weakness and a raised creatine phosphokinase after treatment for hyperthyroidism with propylthiouracil (100 mg orally, three times a day). Electromyography, muscle biopsy, and the course of the patient's illness were consistent with polymyositis. Whether this represents a cause-effect association or a chance occurrence is unknown. Physician awareness of the occurrence of a variety of muscle disorders including polymyositis in thyroid disease is emphasised. A brief discussion of thyroid myopathy, thionamide drug reactions, and polymyositis is included.

• Authors: W J Shergy, D S Caldwell
• Journal: Annals of the rheumatic diseases (Ann Rheum Dis) Vol. 47 Issue 4 Pg. 340-3 (Apr 1988) ISSN: 0003-4967 [Print] England
• PMID: 3365032 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Propylthiouracil

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Hyperthyroidism (drug therapy)
• Muscles (pathology)
• Myositis (chemically induced, pathology)
• Propylthiouracil (adverse effects, therapeutic use)