[An unusual constellation of findings in polymyositis--differential diagnosis and clinical course]

Z Rheumatol. 1994 Sep-Oct;53(5):307-13.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Clinical and biochemical findings are described in a 34-year-old female with atypical polymyositis. Uncommon clinical features in this patient included distally accented decreased muscle strength and myalgias, atypical electromyographic findings, a remarkable discrepancy between clinical findings and laboratory parameters of myolysis, unexplained episodes of somnolism, presence of increased serum lactate levels, and a unilateral mamma aplasia. For this combination of signs a polymyositis or an inclusion body myositis, but also a metabolic or heredodegenerative myopathy was considered. Finally, the idiopathic polymyositis was confirmed histologically and a marked improvement in the clinical and biochemical signs occurred after commencement of high-dose methylprednisolone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactates / blood
  • Lactic Acid
  • Leukocyte Count / drug effects
  • MELAS Syndrome / diagnosis
  • MELAS Syndrome / drug therapy
  • MELAS Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Methylprednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
  • Muscular Dystrophies / diagnosis
  • Muscular Dystrophies / drug therapy
  • Muscular Dystrophies / physiopathology
  • Polymyositis / diagnosis*
  • Polymyositis / drug therapy
  • Polymyositis / physiopathology

Substances

  • Lactates
  • Lactic Acid
  • Methylprednisolone