Sacroiliitis and polyneuropathy during isotretinoin treatment

Clin Exp Dermatol. 2008 Mar;33(2):122-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2007.02532.x. Epub 2007 Aug 24.

Abstract

Isotretinoin, a medication for acne, has been reported to cause a variety of side effects on the musculoskeletal system. We present a case of sacroiliitis (a relatively uncommon feature) and sensorimotor demyelinating polyneuropathy, which has been reported previously in only a few cases during isotretinoin therapy. Clinical symptoms were improved after the withdrawal of isotretinoin and the follow-up electrophysiological study performed 2 years after the initial diagnosis of polyneuropathy showed mild improvement. Dermatologists are advised to be alert to symptoms of polyneuropathy and sacroiliitis during treatment with isotretinoin.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Arthritis / chemically induced*
  • Arthritis / metabolism
  • Demyelinating Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Isotretinoin / administration & dosage
  • Isotretinoin / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Polyneuropathies / chemically induced*
  • Polyneuropathies / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Sacroiliac Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Sacroiliac Joint / drug effects*
  • Sacroiliac Joint / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Withholding Treatment

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Isotretinoin