Penicillamine-induced changes in elastic tissue of the upper respiratory tract.
We describe a patient who developed upper respiratory tract symptoms following long-term treatment of Wilson's disease with penicillamine. These symptoms were attributed to areas of pharyngeal thickening and were treated with a laser. Histological examination of the lesions showed proliferations of abnormal elastic fibres similar to those previously described at other sites, especially the skin, in patients receiving penicillamine. This drug impairs the maturation and reduces the stability of elastic fibres and although elastic tissue throughout the body is affected, we are aware of no previous reports of penicillamine-induced changes presenting with upper respiratory tract symptoms.
Manohar
M B
MB
Department of Otolaryngology, East Birmingham Hospital.
Boldy
D A
DA
Bryan
R L
RL
Pearman
K
K
D001415:Back; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000187:drug effects*; D006527:Hepatolenticular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009333:Neck; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D010396:Penicillamine