Rheumatology international
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Review Case Reports
Isotretinoin-induced sacroiliitis in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa: a case-based review.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, suppurative skin disease characterized by painful nodules, particularly in the axillae and groin. Isotretinoin can be used in the treatment of HS; however, it may paradoxically lead to skin lesions or worsen the existing lesions. Isotretinoin, which is commonly used in the treatment of severe acne, is associated with several side effects, including rheumatic side effects and rarely sacroiliitis. ⋯ After the treatment, both low back pain and HS lesions regressed. Patients with isotretinoin therapy should be alerted for inflammatory low back pain and HS lesions that may develop. We should note that biologic agents should be considered in the treatment of resistant cases.
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Review Case Reports
Tocilizumab-induced psoriasis-like eruption resolved by shortening the dose interval in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis: a case-based review.
Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized antihuman interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor antibody used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While TCZ could act as a therapeutic agent, it has a potential for inducing adverse drug events including psoriasis-like eruption. Seven cases with specific reference to TCZ-induced psoriasis eruption have been reported worldwide so far. ⋯ After the third infusion, the patient developed TCZ-induced psoriasis-like eruptions, which were resolved by shortening the dose interval. Eruption recurrence was not observed after frequent TCZ subcutaneous injection. Our case may help physicians manage TCZ-induced psoriasis-like eruption.
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Review Case Reports
Severe strongyloidiasis and systemic vasculitis: comorbidity, association or both? Case-based review.
A possible association between strongyloidiasis and systemic vasculitis is rarely reported in the literature. We report the case of a patient with severe strongyloidiasis and an angiographic finding consistent with polyarteritis nodosa. Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis was made by finding of larvae and adult parasites in samples of the upper gastrointestinal tract mucosa and stool. ⋯ However, the clinical course was complicated with pulmonary tuberculosis. Despite tuberculostatic therapy and supportive measures, a lethal outcome occurred. The report is followed by a focused review of the available literature on the association of strongyloidiasis and systemic vasculitis.
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Review Case Reports
Treatment of drug-resistant fibromyalgia symptoms using high-intensity laser therapy: a case-based review.
Fibromyalgia is a chronic musculoskeletal condition characterized by widespread pain in the body and is associated with tender points at the shoulder, back and hip regions. A wide variety of pharmacologic drugs and dietary supplements have been used with limited success in treating the musculoskeletal pain. Early clinical studies with low level laser therapy (LLLT) alone or in combination with drugs commonly used to treat fibromyalgia suggested that LLLT may be effective in reducing musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, as well as the number of tender locations. ⋯ The patient received a series of treatments with a HILT device (Phoenix Thera-lase) at a wavelength of 1275 nm administered at both the paraspinous region and tender points in the shoulder and hip regions. Although the 1 W treatment produced minimal symptom relief, both the 42 and the 75 W treatments produced a dramatic reduction in her overall pain, improved quality of sleep, and increased her level of physical activity for 4-10 days after these treatment sessions. This case illustrates the potential beneficial effects of using higher power levels of HILT for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome who have failed to respond to conventional interdisciplinary treatment regimens.
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IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) encompasses a spectrum of complex fibro-inflammatory disorders which are often under diagnosed due to unfamiliarity by clinicians. A challenging multitude of clinical manifestations makes the diagnosis cumbersome. The primary clinical feature in IgG4-RD entails a tumor-like presentation coupled with tissue-destructive lesions. ⋯ The aim of this article is to raise awareness of IgG4-RD and review the diagnostic algorithm, as IgG4-RD often mimics a wide array of clinical conditions. In addition, we summarize the pathogenesis and current treatment guidelines of IgG4-RD for clinicians. Awareness and accurate diagnosis are crucial in preventing progression to chronic diseases, thereby diminishing disease-related morbidity and mortality.