Concomitant rheumatoid arthritis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: report of two new cases and review of literature

Rheumatol Int. 2011 Jun;31(6):715-9. doi: 10.1007/s00296-010-1760-3. Epub 2011 Jan 22.

Abstract

To describe a rare association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Two new cases of patients with RA who developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), one receiving anti-TNFα agents, were reported. Only other five cases of this rare association have been previously described in literature. The simultaneous presence of the two diseases represents a difficult diagnostic challenge because RA may mimic some musculoskeletal symptoms of ALS. There is no evidence in favor of a common pathophysiologic mechanism, and thus the possibility of a fortuitous association must be raised. A neurotoxic side effect of various drugs for RA treatment could be considered. Casual or causal association remains a difficult choice. The possibility of a coincidental association must be raised but neurologic side effects of TNFα blockers lead to discussion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / complications
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / pathology*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology*
  • Bulbar Palsy, Progressive / etiology
  • Bulbar Palsy, Progressive / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab