An overview of polymyositis and dermatomyositis

Muscle Nerve. 2015 May;51(5):638-56. doi: 10.1002/mus.24566.

Abstract

Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are inflammatory myopathies that differ in their clinical features, histopathology, response to treatment, and prognosis. Although their clinical pictures differ, they both present with symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness. Treatment relies mainly upon empirical use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. A deeper understanding of the molecular pathways that drive pathogenesis, careful phenotyping, and accurate disease classification will aid clinical research and development of more efficacious treatments. In this review we address the current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic evaluation, classification, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of polymyositis and dermatomyositis.

Keywords: dermatomyositis; inclusion-body myositis; inflammatory myopathy; myositis-specific autoantibodies; polymyositis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • Dermatomyositis / diagnosis*
  • Dermatomyositis / drug therapy
  • Dermatomyositis / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Polymyositis / diagnosis*
  • Polymyositis / drug therapy
  • Polymyositis / etiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Biological Products
  • Immunosuppressive Agents