Lupus-like Illness Precipitated by Procainamide Hydrochloride

Abstract

A lupus-like state occurred in four patients who were taking procainamide hydrochloride. Arthralgia, cutaneous lesions, pleuropulmonary involvement, and the demonstration of lupus erythematosus (LE) cells or antinuclear antibodies were the most characteristic clinical manifestations and laboratory abnormalities. Arthralgia was the presenting symptom in these patients. The occurrence of joint pain in patients taking procainamide should alert the physician to the possibility of a lupus-like state. Antinuclear-antibody determinations and serologic tests for syphilis yielded negative results in the relatives of two of our patients.