Polymyositis & dermatomyositis Flashcards
what is polymyositis?
idiopathic inflammatory myopathy causing muscle weakness around proximal muscle girdles
What is dermatomyositis?
same as polymyositis but with cutaneous manifestations
what is the key symptom in both polymyositis and dermatomyositis?
muscle weakness
What is Gottron’s sign?
purple rash over back of hands and knuckles
What is a Heliotrope rash?
purple around eyes +/- eyelid swelling
Where does a shawl rash effect?
top of back and v on front of chest
What would be seen in poly/dermatomyositis if a blood test was done?
Raised CK and inflammatory markers
which antibodies are associated with poly/dermatomyositis?
ANA
Anti-Jo-1
what 3 things should be done to diagnose polymyositis?
Electromyography
Muscle biopsy
MRI
what is electromyography?
When a needle is put into the muscle and electrical currents are passed through it to test the strength of the muscle
What is the definitive test in diagnosing polymyositis?
muscle biopsy
management of polymyositis/dermatomyositis?
prednisolone + methotrexate -> steroids short term, immunosuppression long term
