Isotretinoin-induced arthritis mimicking both rheumatoid arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis

Int J Rheum Dis. 2015 May;18(4):466-9. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.12464. Epub 2014 Oct 8.

Abstract

Isotretinoin is used for the treatment of various acne lesions that are resistant to other treatments. The most frequent rheumatologic side effect of isotretinoin is transient muscle and/or joint pains. Here, we report a case with bilateral wrist and metacarpophalangeal joint arthritis and unilateral sacroiliitis associated with isotretinoin usage to attract attention, particularly from physiatrists, rheumatologists and dermatologists, to this rare adverse effect of isotretinoin.

Keywords: acne; arthritis; isotretinoin; retinoid; sacroiliitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / diagnosis
  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / chemically induced*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / diagnosis
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Isotretinoin / adverse effects*
  • Isotretinoin / therapeutic use
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Pain Measurement
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sacroiliitis / chemically induced*
  • Sacroiliitis / diagnosis
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spondylarthritis / chemically induced*
  • Spondylarthritis / diagnosis
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Isotretinoin