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Breast enlargement induced by D-penicillamine
1Department of Medicine, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Israel. tchebinr@zahav.net.il
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|March 16, 2002
Summary
D-penicillamine, used for scleroderma, can cause reversible breast enlargement. This rare side effect resolved after stopping the medication, avoiding unnecessary surgery.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease.
- D-penicillamine is a chelating agent used to treat scleroderma.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old woman experienced breast enlargement during D-penicillamine therapy.
- The breast enlargement was reversible and resolved after drug discontinuation.
Findings:
- D-penicillamine can cause gynecomastia (breast enlargement) as a rare adverse effect.
- This adverse effect is reversible upon cessation of the drug.
Implications:
- Awareness of this side effect can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical interventions.
- Highlights the importance of considering medication side effects in differential diagnosis.