Schnitzler's syndrome treated successfully with intravenous pulse cyclophosphamide

Scand J Rheumatol. 2005 Jul-Aug;34(4):328-30. doi: 10.1080/03009740510017733.

Abstract

Schnitzler's syndrome is a rare clinical condition characterized by chronic urticaria, intermittent fever, bone pain, arthralgia or arthritis, and monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM) gammopathy. Here we describe the case of a 48-year-old Italian female with a long history of arthralgia, leucocytosis, spiking fever, and chronic urticaria with severe pruritus. The IgM-kappa monoclonal component in the serum and bone densification on conventional X-ray with hyperfixation on bone technetium scanning at the distal part of the femurs and at the proximal part of the tibias were detected 4 years after the onset of the symptoms. After many ineffective treatments, the use of pulse cyclophosphamide (CPX) resulted in complete remission of the disease that is still lasting after a 2-year follow-up.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulse Therapy, Drug
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Rare Diseases
  • Risk Assessment
  • Schnitzler Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Schnitzler Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Schnitzler Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Cyclophosphamide