Polymyositis Flashcards
What is polymyositis?
Inflammatory disorder causing symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness
What does polymyositis cause?
Symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness
What is polymoysitis a result of?
T-cell mediated cytotoxic process directed against muscle fibres
What is polymyositis associated with?
Malignancy
How does polymyositis present?
Proximal muscle weakness +/- tenderness
Raynaud’s
Respiratory muscle weakness
Interstitial lung disease
Dysphagia
Dysphonia
What type of intersitial lung diease might occur in someone with polymyositis?
Fibrosing alveolitis or organising pneumonia
(indiactes poor prognosis)
What age of person is typically affected by polymyositis?
40-60 year olds
Which muscles are usually affected in polymyositis?
Shoulder and pelvic girdle
Pharyngeal or oesophageal
Respiratory muscles
What is usually preserved until later on in someone presenting with polymyositis?
Muscle bulk and reflexes
What is used for the definitive diagnosis of someone presenting with polymyositis?
Muscle biopsy
What will be raised in someone presenting with polymyositis?
Creatinine Kinase
What is used in the management of polymyositis?
High-dose corticosteroids
