Quinidine-induced rheumatic syndromes

Quinidine is a commonly used antiarrhythmic agent that is rarely associated with rheumatologic toxicity. However, quinidine-induced lupus, antinuclear antibody negative lupus-like syndrome, polymyalgia rheumatica-like illness, muscle weakness, and isolated creatine phosphokinase elevation have all been reported. We present one case of quinidine drug-induced lupus and another of a quinidine-induced polymyalgia rheumatica-like illness, and review the English literature for rheumatologic toxicity due to quinidine. Prompt recognition of quinidine associated rheumatologic toxicity is important because discontinuation of the medication leads to rapid resolution of clinical symptoms.