Intensification of a diffuse chronic pain syndrome by the introduction of an aromatase inhibitor

• Published in: Praxis (Bern. 1994) Vol. 97; no. 3; p. 137
• Main Authors: Nemitz, N, Kurmann, P T, Van Linthoudt, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: Switzerland 06-02-2008
• Subjects: Aged; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal - adverse effects; Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal - therapeutic use; Aromatase Inhibitors - adverse effects; Aromatase Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Breast Neoplasms - drug therapy; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Breast Neoplasms - surgery; Carcinoma, Ductal - drug therapy; Carcinoma, Ductal - pathology; Carcinoma, Ductal - surgery; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Combined Modality Therapy; Disease Progression; Female; Fibromyalgia - chemically induced; Fibromyalgia - diagnosis; Humans; Mastectomy; Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent - drug therapy; Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent - pathology; Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent - surgery; Nitriles - adverse effects; Nitriles - therapeutic use; Receptors, Estrogen - analysis; Receptors, Estrogen - drug effects; Receptors, Progesterone - analysis; Receptors, Progesterone - drug effects; Triazoles - adverse effects; Triazoles - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 1661-8157

A case of a menopausal woman known for a chronic diffuse pain syndrome and breast cancer positive for estrogen receptors is presented. She developed an increase of her diffuse pain syndrome and joint aches after the introduction of an aromatase inhibitor. Soreness quickly improved after the interruption of the drug. We emphasize some etiological hypotheses concerning the painful symptoms, especially the role of aromatase and estrogens.