poly/dermatomyositits Flashcards
1
Q
Bilateral proximal muscle weakness (NOT pain) & skin manifestations
A
common in poly/dermatomyositis
2
Q
how do these pts present?
A
- initially present with derm complaint (A dusky, purplish red rash) (Gottron’s papules-Scaly patches over dorsum of proximal intraphalangeal and metacarpal phalangeal joints )
- then , patients with PM usually present with symmetric proximal muscle weakness in the upper and lower extremities
3
Q
what is a good diagnostic test for DM/PM?
A
creatine kinase will be very elevated
-muscle biopsy is definitive
4
Q
DM/PM treatment?
A
- prednisone
- bedrest
- PT
