Morphea associated with the use of adalimumab: a case report and review of the literature

Mod Rheumatol. 2012 Aug;22(4):602-4. doi: 10.1007/s10165-011-0550-4. Epub 2011 Nov 18.

Abstract

Therapy with TNF blockers may induce cutaneous adverse events, but the development of morphea, a localized scleroderma lesion, is extremely infrequent. We describe a 37-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab who developed morphea lesions in the lower limbs after 12 months of treatment. Adalimumab was discontinued, which resulted in progressive improvement in the skin lesions, with only mild hyperpigmentation remaining. We also review reports of morphea and other adverse cutaneous events related to anti-TNF treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity
  • Male
  • Scleroderma, Localized / chemically induced*
  • Scleroderma, Localized / diagnosis
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / pathology
  • Spondylitis, Ankylosing / drug therapy*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Withholding Treatment

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Adalimumab