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D-penicillamine in the treatment of eosinophilic fasciitis: case reports and review of the literature

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Abstract

Eosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare disease characterized by symmetrical thickness and hardening of the skin, especially localized to forearms and thorax, with eosinophilia. Corticosteroids represent the first-line therapy, even if some patients are scarcely responsive and/or may develop important side effects due to long-term treatment. Here, we describe three cases of EF, two of them refractory to previous steroid therapy, successfully treated with D-penicillamine. The present clinical observations together with the updated review of the literature suggest usefulness of D-penicillamine in EF patients, as well as its potential steroid-sparing value.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rheumatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, Medical School, Via del Pozzo, 71, 41121, Modena, Italy

    CU Manzini, M Sebastiani, D Giuggioli, A Manfredi, M Colaci & C Ferri

  2. Anatomia e Istologia Patologica, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, Medical School, Modena, Italy

    AM Cesinaro

Authors
  1. CU Manzini
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  2. M Sebastiani
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  3. D Giuggioli
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  4. A Manfredi
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  5. M Colaci
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  6. AM Cesinaro
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  7. C Ferri
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Correspondence to M Sebastiani.

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Manzini, C., Sebastiani, M., Giuggioli, D. et al. D-penicillamine in the treatment of eosinophilic fasciitis: case reports and review of the literature. Clin Rheumatol 31, 183–187 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-011-1866-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-011-1866-3

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