Dermatomyosite induite par la fluvastatine

Iatrogenic dermatomyositis has only been reported in rare cases. Certain drugs have been incriminated, notably D-penicillamine. Six cases of drug-induced dermatomyositis have been described with statins: simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin and lovastatin. Of these cases, only one resolved spontaneously after withdrawal of the drug alone without use of corticosteroids. Our case concerns intake of fluvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor with rare though well-known muscular side effects: elevated serum CPK, myalgia and rhabdomyolysis. Six cases of polymyositis have also been reported. Ours is the first case of dermatomyositis described with this category of statins. It is also the second reported case showing improvement after withdrawal of the lipid-lowering agent and without corticosteroids. Thus in cases of dermatomyositis, this iatrogenic picture should be sought routinely.