Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
A group of conditions involving inflammatory muscle disease. Some forms may also involve skin changes and other organs.
About the condition
A group of conditions involving inflammatory muscle disease. Some forms may also involve skin changes and other organs.
This is a group of muscle disorders; dermatomyositis may include skin disease. Not every muscle ache indicates myositis.
Symptoms
Muscle weakness makes rising, climbing stairs or lifting arms difficult. Dermatomyositis may cause a characteristic rash.
Weakness is often prominent at shoulders and hips rather than pain alone. Swallowing difficulty, voice changes and respiratory symptoms may occur.
Diagnosis
Muscle enzymes, antibodies, MRI or electromyography and sometimes biopsy help diagnosis. Medication-related and other causes are assessed.
CK may be raised but is not diagnostic alone. Exclude endocrine, medication and neurological causes and identify the myopathy subtype.
Treatment
Specialist-prescribed medicines control inflammation. Rehabilitation and exercise are adapted to weakness and disease activity.
Depending on subtype, steroids, steroid-sparing agents and sometimes immunoglobulin are used. Safe rehabilitation restores function and limits deconditioning.
Monitoring
Monitor strength, swallowing and breathing. Increasing breathlessness or choking requires prompt medical attention.
Compare strength and function with enzymes and assess lungs. Cancer screening depends on age, subtype and individual risk.
Sources
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