L-tryptophan associated eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.
Environmental chemicals are increasingly incriminated in the pathogenesis of several disease states. The eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome is a recently described entity attributed to the ingestion of the normal dietary amino acid L-tryptophan. We describe a patient who fulfills criteria for the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome and who was ingesting supplemental L-tryptophan. Exhaustive investigations failed to reveal other causes for her eosinophilia or her myalgic/neuropathic complaints, and she improved dramatically when she discontinued the L-tryptophan supplements. The mechanisms whereby this chemical may induce this syndrome are discussed.
Katz
J D
JD
Division of Rheumatic Diseases, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06032.
Wakem
C J
CJ
Parke
A L
AL
D000368:Aged; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000139:chemically induced; D013577:Syndrome; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000009:adverse effects*
D014364:Tryptophan