QUINIDINE-INDUCED RHEUMATIC SYNDROMES

Quinidine is a commonly used antiarrhythmic agent that is rarely assoc iated with rheumatologic toxicity. However, quinidine-induced lupus, a ntinuclear antibody negative lupus-like syndrome, polymyalgia rheumati ca-like illness, muscle weakness, and isolated creatine phosphokinase elevation have all been reported. We present one case of quinidine dru g-induced lupus and another of a quinidine-induced polymyalgia rheumat ica-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 med ication leads to rapid resolution of clinical symptoms. (C) 1995 by W. B. Saunders Company