Polymyositis after propylthiouracil treatment for hyperthyroidism.
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.
Shergy
W J
WJ
Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
Caldwell
D S
DS
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009132:Muscles / Q000473:pathology; D009220:Myositis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D011441:Propylthiouracil / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011441:Propylthiouracil