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A new syndrome of axial muscle rigidity associated with etretinate therapy

Year: 1988

Type: article

Abstract: We report on three cases of a novel syndrome associated with treatment for psoriasis with the retinoid etretinate. The distinctive features of this syndrome include rigidity that is restricted to the axial muscles, impairment of neck extension greater than flexion, impairment of anteflexion at the waist, severe impairment of lateral flexion at both the waist and the neck, and, in one case, rigidity of proximal lower extremity muscles. Peripheral nerve block extinguished the lower extremity rigidity in one patient, and two patients had a favorable response to Sinemet. One patient had persistence of symptoms and findings 2 years after discontinuation of etretinate. The clinical features of this syndrome are consistent with an effect of etretinate on central, possible catecholaminergic neurons.

Source: Movement Disorders

DOI: 10.1002/mds.870030109

Authors: Roger L. Albin, Alan K. Silverman, Charles N. Ellis, John J. Voorhees, James W. Albers

Institutions: University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: F. Hoffmann-La Roche