Polymyositis--an unusual manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease

Rheumatol Int. 2001 May;20(4):169-70. doi: 10.1007/s002960000091.

Abstract

Polymyositis is a rare autoimmune manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and an increase in muscle-related enzymes that responds well to treatment with immunosuppressive agents such as steroids and cyclosporine. We describe a case in which polymyositis was the main manifestation of chronic GVHD that occurred 12 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The polymyositis responded well to treatment with steroids and cyclosporine, with no relapse of symptoms on tapering of the medication.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / methods
  • Chronic Disease
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Cyclosporine / administration & dosage
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft vs Host Disease / diagnosis*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy
  • Graft vs Host Disease / etiology
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, B-Cell / therapy*
  • Polymyositis / diagnosis
  • Polymyositis / drug therapy
  • Polymyositis / etiology*
  • Recurrence
  • Steroids / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Steroids
  • Cyclosporine