Polymyositis
Polymyositis is a systemic inflammatory disease of the skeletal muscles with a perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. It is assigned to the collagen. The cause (etiology ) is unknown. In case of involvement of the skin is referred to as dermatomyositis.
Molding
There are five forms of polymyositis:
Especially in elderly patients dermato- or polymyositis is often paraneoplastic conditionally, with the symptoms of dermatomyositis may precede the occurrence of a verifiable diagnostic tumor disease.
Symptoms
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle soreness
- Non-specific signs of inflammation (CRP, fever, erythrocyte sedimentation rate )
- Arthralgia
- Possibly Raynaud's syndrome.
- Possibly swallowing disorders and internal organ involvement
In the case of dermatomyositis can be seen following skin conditions:
- Purple -colored rash on the eyelids, nose and cheeks
- Periorbital edema
- Local erythema
- Scaly eczematous dermatitis.
Laboratory diagnosis finds increased muscle enzyme levels. Detection of autoantibodies is also possible.
Forecast
The mortality rate is increased by a factor of 4. Most common causes of death are heart disease and lung disease.
Half of those affected can settle the corticosteroid therapy after 5 years and achieved a complete cure, with a weakness of the muscles may remain. 30% of the disease is stopped. About 20% suffer a deterioration despite therapy.
Especially in elderly patients dermato- or polymyositis is often paraneoplastic conditionally, with the symptoms of dermatomyositis may precede the occurrence of a verifiable diagnostic tumor disease.
Therapy
The disease requires a physical indulgence. As a therapeutic agent of choice corticosteroids ( prednisone) are used. In addition, immunosuppressive drugs and immunoglobulins can be administered.
A long-term physiotherapy is desirable.