Minoxidil-induced systemic lupus erythematosus

A patient treated for two months with the antihypertensive agent minoxidil developed pleural and pericardial effusions in association with a positive antinuclear antibody titer. No evidence of central nervous system or renal involvement was present, and results of specific tests for idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus, including anti-double-stranded DNA and anti-Smith antibodies, were negative. Complement levels were normal. The patient's clinical picture improved and titers of antinuclear antibody decreased after discontinuation of minoxidil therapy, suggesting that minoxidil induced a lupus-like syndrome in this patient.