[A case of carbamazepine-induced lupus with myositis]

This is the report with muscle disorder associated carbamazepine (CBZ)-induced lupus. A 39-year-old female had been treated with CBZ 400 mg per day for 2 years because of complex partial seizure. In November, 1992 laboratory studies showed elevation of serum CK, IgG and titers of antinuclear antibody. Physical examination on admission revealed muscle weakness of neck flexors and iliopsoas but no rash or arthralgia. The electromyography showed myogenic change in the right biceps. CBZ was discontinued and replaced by zonisamide. Prednisolone 40 mg daily was started and the patient steadily improved. In the literature, there have been a few cases with muscle symptoms in CBZ-induced lupus, but muscle involvement with highly elevated CK associated with CBZ-induced lupus has not been reported.