The T Cell Receptor (TCR) in HLA-B27-Restricted T Cell Responses - an Introduction

Summary D-penicillamine, an agent still used in the treatment of rheumatoïd arthritis (RA) may produce inflammatory myopathy or myositis. Some reported cases are documented with muscle biopsy. We report a 34-year old female, receiving the drug for more than 4 years, who consulted us with recently developed proximal muscle pain and weakness. EMG-findings were typical for inflammatory muscle disease; muscle enzymes remained normal. D-penicillamine was stopped and she was started on prednisolone with rapid improvement. The EMG-findings, with follow-up within three months, proved to be a good diagnostic tool, in the absence of laboratory muscle enzymes abnormalities.Correspondence to: Algemeen Ziekenhuis Middelheim Dienst Fysische Geneeskunde en Reumatologie Lindendreef 1 2020 Antwerpen, BELGIUM