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A case of late-onset chorea
Oksana Suchowersky1, Joy Muthipeedika
1Movement Disorders Program, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary/Calgary Health Region, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. osuchowe@ucalgary.ca
Nature Clinical Practice. Neurology
|August 26, 2006
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can cause chorea, a movement disorder. Discontinuing HRT resolved the condition in a rheumatoid arthritis patient, suggesting a link between HRT and chorea.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- A 75-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis developed a 4-year history of progressive, bilateral chorea.
- Patient was on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and other medications.
Observation:
- Bilateral choreiform movements affecting the face and limbs, more severe on the right.
- No relevant family history of movement disorders.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of HRT-related chorea was made.
- Possible contributing factors included rheumatoid arthritis, small-vessel ischemic disease, or subclinical rheumatic fever.
Implications:
- Discontinuation of HRT led to the resolution of chorea.
- Highlights the importance of considering medication side effects in movement disorders.
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