Atenolol-induced lupus erythematosus.
Atenolol is a beta-blocker commonly used for treating hypertension. It can induce various kinds of adverse side effects, including psoriasiform skin eruptions, skin necrosis, vasculitis, and (rarely) drug-induced connective tissue disease. We encountered a patient receiving atenolol for his hypertension for 3 years who subsequently acquired connective tissue disease and antihistone antibodies. The initial serologic antinuclear antibody test was negative at a dilution of 1/20 but was positive after further serial dilutions, indicating the prozone phenomenon as the cause of the false-negative result. Six months after discontinuation of atenolol, the skin rash disappeared and antihistone antibody subsided. His skin rash reappeared on rechallenge with atenolol for 3 days, confirming that atenolol was responsible for his lupus erythematosus.
McGuiness
M
M
Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA, USA.
Frye
R A
RA
Deng
J S
JS
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001132:Arm; D001262:Atenolol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D008179:Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D001262:Atenolol