Connective Tissue Disease 3 - Inflammatory Muscle Diseases

Question 1

What are the two inflammatory muscles diseases and their pathologies?

Answer 1

Polymyositis - T cells against muscles fibres

Dermatomyositis - T cells/antibodies against muscle capillaries and small arterioles

Question 2

What are the symptoms of the two inflammatory muscles diseases?

Answer 2

NB - Symptoms of any CTD

Polymyositis - proximal muscles weakness of little or no pain.

Dermatomyositis - as above but:

• Heliotrope rash
• Gotrrons papules
• Mechanics hands
• Macular rash on trunk

Question 3

What is this and what do you get it in?

Answer 3

Gottrons Papules

Dermatomyositis

Question 4

What is this and what do you get it in?

Answer 4

Mechanics hands

Dermatomyositis

Question 5

What is this and what do you get it in?

Answer 5

Heliotrope rash (doesnt cross midline)

Dermatomyositis

Question 6

What would standard bloods show

Answer 6

Raised CK

Question 7

What special non blood test could you do?

Answer 7

EMG

Short duration, low amplitude waves

Question 8

What do you need to definitely diagnose an inflammatory muscles disease?

Answer 8

Muscle biopsy

Question 9

What are the serological tests for inflammatory muscles diseases?

Answer 9

ANA

Anti SRP - Polymyositis

Anti mi-2 - Dermatomyositis

Question 10

What is the treatment?

Answer 10

No disease modifying agents just aim to slow them down with

Steroids and immunosuppresents eg azathioprine/methotrexate

Question 11

What is dermatomyositis associated with?

Answer 11

Underlying malignancy