Polymyositis/ Dermatomyositis

Question 1

What is polymyositis?

Answer 1

Inflammation and necrosis of skeletal muscle

Question 2

What is inflammation and necrosis of skeletal muscle with skin involvement called?

Answer 2

Dermatomyositis

Question 3

True or false: polymyositis is more common in women

Answer 3

True

Question 4

What is the genetic link for polymyositis?

Answer 4

HLA B8
HLA DR3

Question 5

What are symptoms of polymyositis?

Answer 5

Symmetrical wasting of muscles of the shoulders and pelvic girdle

Hard to stand from sitting
Hard to squat
Hard to put hands on top of head

Question 6

What are specific symptoms of dermatomyositis?

Answer 6

Skin changes:
Gotton papules (scales on knuckles)
Heliotrope (purple eyelid)

Question 7

How is polymyositis diagnosed?

Answer 7

Muscle fibre biopsy necrosis = gold standard

LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) raised
Creatine kinase (CK) raised

Question 8

Which antibodies are present in dermatomyositis to confirm diagnosis?

Answer 8

Anti Jo1 antibodies
Anti Mi2 antibodies

Question 9

What is treatment for polymyositis/ dermatomyositis?

Answer 9

Bed rest
Prednisolone for 1 month
Then taper down dose