Background: Search for etiology in young subjects with joint disease must take into consideration causes other than reactional arthropathy or systemic disease.
Case reports: Two young subjects consulted for joint pain involving various joints. Physical examination did not reveal any other abnormality. Serum tests were positive for antinuclear antibodies and/or showed moderately and persistently elevated transaminases. History taking revealed that these subjects had been taking minocyclin chlorhydrate for several months, or even years, for acne. Joint pain subsided with drug withdrawal and serum tests returned to normal.
Discussion: Long-term treatment with minocylin chlorhydrate should always be included in the search for an etiology in patients presenting joint pain.