ANCA-associated vasculitis and lupus-like syndrome caused by methimazole

Clin Exp Dermatol. 1995 Jul;20(4):345-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.1995.tb01340.x.

Abstract

A 24-year-old woman with Graves' disease treated with methimazole for 4 years, developed recalcitrant ulcers on the lower legs. Histological studies demonstrated vasculitis in deep dermal vessels accompanied by C3 deposition. Laboratory investigation revealed lupus-like abnormalities (leucocytopenia, positive antinuclear and antidouble strand (ds) DNA antibodies, and positive ANCA). The leg ulcers dramatically improved after methimazole was withdrawn. In addition, leucocytopenia and the immunological abnormalities soon faded. Although lupus-like syndrome is well known to be induced by antithyroid drugs, vasculitis is a rare complication. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing ANCA-associated vasculitis caused by methimazole.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects*
  • Autoantibodies / analysis
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / complications
  • Humans
  • Lupus Vulgaris / chemically induced*
  • Lupus Vulgaris / complications
  • Methimazole / adverse effects*
  • Skin Ulcer / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis / chemically induced*
  • Vasculitis / complications
  • Vasculitis / immunology
  • Vasculitis / pathology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Autoantibodies
  • Biomarkers
  • Methimazole