Muscle Disease Flashcards
What is the cause of polymyositis and dermatomyositis?
None- they are idiopathic
Which sex is polymyositis/dermatomyositis more common in?
Females
What is the peak age incidence for polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
40-50
Do polymyositis/dermatomyositis have an increased risk of malignancy?
Yes
What is the difference between polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
They are the same, with the exception that dermatomyositis involves the skin
What is important to know about dermatomyositis in males over 50?
It is often paraneoplastic- these patients should be screened for malignancy
Muscle fibre necrosis, degeneration, regeneration and inflammatory cell infiltrate on histology suggests what?
polymyositis/dermatomyositis
How does the muscle weakness come on in polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Insidiously, worsening over months
Where is the weakness usually found in polymyositis/dermatomyositis? Is it symmetrical?
Usually in proximal muscles (hip and shoulder girdle) and is usually symmetrical
What is the main clinical feature of polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Muscle WEAKNESS
What is Gottron’s sign? What disease is it associated with?
Dermatomyositis- papules over the joints in the hands
What disease will show a heliotropic rash around the eyes?
Dermatomyositis
What other organs can be involved in polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Lungs, oesophagus, heart
What is the lung involvement in polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Interstitial lung disease/pulmonary fibrosis
What is the oesophageal involvement in polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Dysphagia
What is the cardiac involvement in polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Myocarditis
What are 4 systemic features of polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Raynaud’s, weight loss, fever, polyarthritis
Which out of polymyositis/dermatomyositis has a higher risk of malignancy?
Dermatomyositis
What PMH might be important when suspicious of polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Diabetes, thyroid disease
What drug use might be important when suspicious of polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Steroids, statins
What is the sit to stand test (isotonic testing)?
How many times can a person sit to stand in 30 seconds
What blood tests would be useful for polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
Creatinine kinase, inflammatory markers, electrolytes, calcium, PTH, TSH
When is creatinine kinase released?
When muscles start to breakdown