CASE REPORT

Gynecomastia associated with low-dose methotrexate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Authors

Koki Abe^1,2, Takeshi Mitsuka², Shigeo Kanamori¹, Keishi Yamashita² and Akiyoshi Yamaoka²

1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chiba-Tokushukai Hospital, Funabashi, Japan
2. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Social Insurance Funabashi Central Hospital, 6-13-10 Kaijin, Funabashi 273-8556, Japan

Received:

14 March 2007

Accepted:

11 June 2007

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Abstract

A 68-year-old man with a 3-year history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) developed gynecomastia 3 months after beginning oral low-dose methotrexate (MTX) therapy. Four months after MTX therapy was discontinued, the gynecomastia symptoms improved. Only eight cases of gynecomastia resulting from low-dose MTX administration have been reported worldwide, and no cases have previously been reported in Japan. Although it occurs infrequently, gynecomastia resulting from low-dose MTX therapy should be considered in male patients with RA.

Key words

Adverse effect - Gynecomastia - Methotrexate (MTX) - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)