[Evans' syndrome caused by D-penicillamine in rheumatoid arthritis. Value of the corticoids-danazol combination]

The authors report the development of thrombocytopenia purpura in one patient with seropositive and erosive rheumatoid arthritis treated successfully for 11 months with D-penicillamine. Anti-platelet-bound antibodies were present, but also: anti-erythrocyte antibodies with hemolytic anemia (then defining Evans's syndrome): higher level of antinuclear antibodies; intermittent neutropenia. The responsibility of D-penicillamine is discussed, but thrombocytopenia purpura evolved for itself. Glucocorticoids alone, intravenous immunoglobulin, vincristine did not induced remission, which at least occurred under the association danazol-glucocorticoids, without toxicity, especially on the liver function.