Auranofin (SK + F 39162) induced enterocolitis in rheumatoid arthritis. A case report.

A case of gold-induced enterocolitis in a 69-year-old female with rheumatoid arthritis who had received the new gold compound by oral administration (Auranofin (AF) for 4 weeks) is reported. Mild diarrhoea is a commonly described side effect accompanying AF, but in this case a severe colitis developed. The course of this case is very similar to those reported regarding Myochrysin. The pathogenesis is discussed. It might be a direct toxic effect on the mucosa of the bowel, evidenced by the relatively high excretion of oral gold with faeces.