Simvastatin-induced dermatomyositis in a 50-year-old man.
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare inflammatory autoimmune disease for which an iatrogenic origin has been described in a few cases. The authors report a case of DM occurring after simvastatin intake. A 50-year-old male sought medical attention for a photodistributed rash and considerable muscular weakness present for 3 months. One year earlier, simvastatin had been introduced. Serum creatine kinase levels were elevated. Histological examination of a muscle biopsy was consistent with a diagnosis of DM. Investigation for neoplasia and associated autoimmune disease proved negative. All clinical and laboratory abnormalities diminished corticosteroid therapy (1 mg/kg/day). Case reports have suggested that lipid-lowering drugs, especially statins, could induce or reveal chronic muscle diseases. In statins myopathy, reduction of coenzyme Q has been discussed as a key mechanism. Our case of DM in a patient receiving simvastatin adds to the previous reported cases in the literature and highlights the potential role of statins as triggers of immune systemic diseases.
Department of Dermatology, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
Inés Rania
IR
Zaraa
Imen
I
Labbène
Dalila
D
Mrabet
Hela
H
Zribi
Inès
I
Chelly
Mohamed
M
Zitouna
Mourad
M
Mokni
Slaheddine
S
Sellami
Amel
A
Ben Osman
D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019821:Simvastatin / Q000009:adverse effects*
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D019821:Simvastatin