Rituximab-induced regression of CREST-related calcinosis

Clin Rheumatol. 2013 Feb;32(2):281-3. doi: 10.1007/s10067-012-2124-z. Epub 2012 Nov 21.

Abstract

About a quarter of sclerodermic patients present calcinosis. However, patients with limited form of the disease are more likely to have calcinosis than patients with diffuse form. We report a case of a 54-year-old female patient with limited cutaneous scleroderma using rituximab (RTX) to treat lung fibrosis and arthritis. Into RTX treatment, she also had a complete resolution of calcinosis in her hands. The patient reported improvement in dyspnea and synovitis after two courses of RTX (four weekly infusions 375 mg/m(2) each). After 7 months of the first infusion, the calcinosis in her fingers had a complete remission, especially the right thumb. Based on current evidences, we discuss the use of rituximab as a promising therapy to treat not only lung disease but also calcinosis in patients with scleroderma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Calcinosis / complications
  • Calcinosis / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / complications
  • Pulmonary Fibrosis / drug therapy*
  • Remission Induction
  • Rituximab
  • Scleroderma, Limited / complications
  • Scleroderma, Limited / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Rituximab