Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 29, 2026

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
Published on: May 16, 2025
A case of methimazole-induced chronic arthritis masquerading as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
Conor N Gruber1, Kathleen Finzel, Barry L Gruber
1From the *Cornell University, Ithaca, †ProHealth Care Associates, Lake Success, and ‡Mt Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY.
Abstract:
We report a 40-year-old woman with onset of oligoarthritis shortly after initiating treatment with methimazole for Graves disease. Over the course of 7 years, her arthritis became progressively severe, leading to a diagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic agents and surgical intervention was contemplated. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging revealed exuberant synovitis, involving right elbow and knees. Upon withdrawal of methimazole, prompt resolution of all signs and symptoms of arthritis was observed within several weeks. Following a MEDLINE search of available literature concerning antithyroid drug-induced arthritis, it is evident that this case represents the lengthiest duration of inflammatory arthropathy ever described in a patient that nonetheless was rapidly reversible with discontinuation of methimazole.
Related Concept Videos
Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
