Inflammatory Myopathies

Question 1

What marker is specific for Dermatomyositis?

Answer 1

Anti-Mi-2 antibody

Question 2

What are the two inflammatory myopathies?

Answer 2

Dermatomyositis
Polymyositis

Question 3

What is an important association with Dermatomyositis that needs to be worked up if this diagnosis is made or suspected?

Answer 3

cancer

Question 4

Proximal muscle weakness with rash

Answer 4

Dermatomyositis

Question 5

Proximal muscle weakness, NO rash

Answer 5

Polymyositis

Question 6

What antibodies present in 20% of PM cases?

Answer 6

Anti Jo-1

Question 7

What is the pathophysiology for polymyositis?

Answer 7

Cell mediated immune response directed against antigens on muscle fibers

Question 8

What is the pathophysiology for dermatomyositis?

Answer 8

Antibody-mediated immune response - Microangiopathy of muscle capillaries

Question 9

What is the name of the scaly rash over the extensor surfaces of the interphalangeal joints, OVER the knuckles (DIP, PIP, MCP) seen in dermatomyositis?

Answer 9

Gottron’s papules

Question 10

What is the initial therapy in Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis and why?

Answer 10

Prednisone
High dose reduces morbidity and improves strength in DM and PM patients

Question 11

Inflammatory myopathies have a strong association with which cancers?

Answer 11

Ovarian
Lung
Pancreatic
GI
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma