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Chronic human colchicine neuropathy and myopathy
Archives of Neurology
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Long-term colchicine use can cause severe nerve and muscle damage. This case shows a patient developed neuropathy and myopathy mimicking animal toxicity from indiscriminate colchicine intake.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Background:
- Colchicine is a medication used to treat gout and familial Mediterranean fever.
- Long-term or high-dose use can lead to toxicity.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old woman presented with a progressive multisystem syndrome after five years of indiscriminate colchicine use.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited severe axonal neuropathy and a striking myopathy.
- These neuromuscular findings were pathologically similar to colchicine-induced toxicity observed in experimental animals.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe neuromuscular toxicity from chronic, indiscriminate colchicine use in humans.
- It underscores the importance of monitoring patients on long-term colchicine therapy for neurological and muscular side effects.