Exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis after termination of chemotherapy for breast carcinoma.

Rosenstein, E D; Kramer, N; Leitner, S P; Michaelson, R A · J Rheumatol · 1996

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Three women with breast carcinoma were treated with combination chemotherapy, including cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, and methotrexate, after mastectomy. Within two months of termination of chemotherapy, all 3 patients developed florid synovitis. Two patients had prior clinical manifestations consistent with rheumatoid arthritis; one patient had no antecedent history of arthritis. We suggest that this presentation may represent exacerbation of mild or subclinical rheumatoid arthritis as a consequence of withdrawal of methotrexate therapy.

Medical subject headings