Inflammatory myopathy

Inflammatory myopathy is a group of diseases that involve chronic (long-term) muscle inflammation (myositis), accompanied by muscle weakness. The cause of much inflammatory myopathy is unknown (idiopathic). They are thought to be autoimmune disorders, in which the body's immune system attacks its own muscles.

Types of Inflammatory Myopathy

There are three main types of inflammatory myopathies: Polymyositis, Dermatomyositis, and Inclusion body myositis.

Polymyositis

Polymyositis is a type of inflammatory myopathy, which is characterized by inflammation and weakness in the muscles. The disease can occur at any age, but it mostly affects adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory disease marked by muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash. It affects children and adults alike. In adults, dermatomyositis is more common in the 40s to 60s. In children, it most often appears between 5 and 15 years of age.

Inclusion body myositis

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is characterized by slowly progressive weakness and wasting of both distal and proximal muscles, most apparent in the muscles of the arms and legs. There are two types: sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM), which is the most common form in adults older than 50, and hereditary inclusion body myopathies (hIBM), which are inherited.

Symptoms

Symptoms of inflammatory myopathy can include muscle weakness, muscle pain, and muscle tenderness. Other symptoms can include fatigue, difficulty swallowing, lung problems, irregular heart rhythms, and weight loss.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of inflammatory myopathy is often difficult, as the symptoms can be quite general and can mimic other conditions. A combination of clinical examination, blood tests, MRI, electromyography, and muscle biopsy may be needed to establish the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for inflammatory myopathy involves the use of medications to control and reduce inflammation and to suppress the immune system. Physical therapy may also be beneficial.

See Also

• Myopathy
• Autoimmune diseases
• Muscular Dystrophy

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