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Published on: July 11, 2013

A case of aseptic pleuropericarditis in a patient with chronic plaque psoriasis under methotrexate therapy

Francesco Savoia, Giuseppe Gaddoni, Chiara Casadio

    Dermatology Online Journal
    |February 25, 2010
    PubMed

    Insights

    Methotrexate can rarely cause serositis, including pleuropericarditis, even at low doses. This rare side effect resolved after discontinuing methotrexate and initiating anti-inflammatory treatment.

    Area of Science:

    • Rheumatology
    • Clinical Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Methotrexate is a widely used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD).
    • Serositis is a rare but recognized adverse effect of methotrexate therapy.

    Observation:

    • A case of pleuropericarditis, a specific form of serositis, is presented.
    • The patient developed symptoms after a short duration of low-dose methotrexate treatment.

    Findings:

    • Pleuropericarditis induced by methotrexate was diagnosed.
    • The condition resolved completely upon drug withdrawal and initiation of anti-inflammatory therapy.
    • No recurrence was observed during a 10-month follow-up period.

    Implications:

    • Highlights the importance of considering methotrexate-induced serositis in patients presenting with these symptoms.
    • Suggests prompt drug cessation and supportive care can effectively manage this rare adverse event.
    • Reinforces the need for vigilant monitoring of methotrexate side effects in clinical practice.

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