Breast enlargement induced by D-penicillamine.

OBJECTIVE

To report a patient with reversible breast enlargement due to D-penicillamine treatment for scleroderma.

CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old white woman developed enlarged breasts during D-penicillamine therapy for scleroderma. The enlargement regressed following discontinuation of the drug, and planned breast reduction surgery was avoided.

DISCUSSION: D-Penicillamine has been used in the treatment of various diseases including scleroderma. Breast enlargement has been previously described as a rare adverse effect of this drug. The enlargement subsided following discontinuation of the medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Attention is called to this rare adverse effect in an effort to avoid unnecessary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, including surgery.