Colchicine Therapy for Palmar Fibromatosis

Author:
  • FPFerris N. Pitts
    Ferris N. Pitts
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Abstract
I had multiple large and painful fibromatoses of the flexor tendon sheaths of the fourth and fifth digits bilaterally for at least 10 years and was unable to extend the right fifth digit to form a right angle with the palm for more than 4 years. I was contemplating remedial surgery when I found a report of a woman with this disorder who was treated with oral colchicine, with marked improvement clinically and on the basis of electron-microscopical findings.1 My search of the medical literature and medical–surgical consultations revealed no other claims of effective medical treatment, but did provide that surgery is often not effective. With little to lose, I took 1.2 mg of colchicine twice daily for seven days and then 0.6 mg daily for three weeks; for the past two years I have been taking 1.2 mg twice weekly.