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.