Minocycline-induced renal polyarteritis nodosa

BMJ Case Rep. 2012 Aug 13:2012:bcr2012006503. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2012-006503.

Abstract

Minocycline is a bacteriostatic, long-acting, lipid-soluble tetracycline that is generally well tolerated, but has been associated with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). This is a case report of a 21-year-old woman presented to her primary care physician with several months of fatigue, mylagias, weight loss and intermittent severe bi-temporal headaches without changes in vision. Her medications included an Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo and Minocycline, which she started 2 years prior for acne. On presentation, she was tachycardic and severely hypertensive. Initial laboratory evaluation showed hyponatraemia and hypokalaemia as well as elevation of inflammatory markers. Autoimmune work-up was positive for perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Renal arteriogram was characteristic of PAN and along with her other symptoms, she fulfilled the necessary criteria of American College of Rheumatology for diagnosis of PAN. Minocycline as a possible causative agent was discontinued since it was reported to cause cutaneous PAN in the literature. Cyclophosphamide and prednisone were initiated for treatment of her vasulculitis. Her symptoms and hypertension improved over the next several months. This is the first report of the minocycline-induced renal PAN.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / drug therapy
  • Adult
  • Angiography
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arteries
  • Cyclophosphamide / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Kidney / blood supply
  • Minocycline / adverse effects*
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / chemically induced*
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / complications
  • Polyarteritis Nodosa / drug therapy*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Minocycline
  • Prednisone