Calcineurin Inhibitor Pain Syndrome: A Case Report & Literature Review

Figure 4: Bone Scan
The bone scan showed increased bilateral symmetric uptake in the patient’s knees and ankles.

The exact pathogenesis of CIPS is not clearly defined. However, CNIs cause increased vascular changes that disrupt bone perfusion and permeability. This leads to intraosseous vasoconstriction and bone marrow edema, which causes pain. It is also postulated that CNI use results in facilitation of pro-nociceptive processes by interrupting glial function and by inhibition of nuclear factor-activated T cells.¹⁴

Calcineurin regulates two-pore-domain potassium channels (K2Ps), which influence neuronal excitability and maintain resting membrane potentials, serving an important role in nociceptive regulation. The inhibition of calcineurin removes the regulation of these K2Ps, leading to enhanced neuronal excitability.¹⁴

The most effective treatment of CIPS is modification of the immunosuppressive regimen, either with the use of a non-calcineurin agent or with close monitoring of CNI levels and adjustment of the dose (as was done in this patient).² Extremity elevation is also advised.²

Therapy adjuncts include calcium channel blockers, such as nifedipine; GABA analogs, such as pregabalin; and bisphosphonates, such as IV pamidronate.^3,15 Controversy exists regarding the usefulness of adjunctive therapies, although improvement in patient-reported symptoms have been observed in several case reports and series. CIPS is usually completely reversible over a period of months, without long-term sequelae.

With a steady increase in the number of recipients of organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants and, hence, more prevalent CNI use, this otherwise uncommon diagnosis is important to recognize. If identified early, cessation of CNIs in favor of an alternate immunosuppressive agent (or modification of the dose of CNI) is recommended, and musculoskeletal symptoms often quickly abate.

Priyanka Iyer, MD, MPH, is a second-year fellow in adult rheumatology at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.

Acknowledgment

The author would like to extend special thanks to Brittany Bettendorf, MD, who was an integral part of the treatment team and helped establish a unifying diagnosis.

References

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