Polymyositis is diagnosed with a thorough history and physical examination. Clinical suspicion is then corroborated with laboratory examination including creatine kinase (CK) and acute phase reactant levels. Additional diagnostic testing with electromyography (EMG) and MRI can be performed. Finally muscle biopsy is used for confirmation.
Polymyositis
Polymyositis affects skeletal muscles on both sides of the body, usually affected adults between 31 and 60 years old. People with polymyositis may also experience arthritis, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing and speaking and heart arrhythmias. Treatment options include medication, exercise, heat therapy, physical therapy, orthotics and assistive devices and rest.
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See All 2 AnswersBiologic drugs including rituximab and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) inhibitors are being further studied for treatment of polymyositis. Interferon alfa-2a is also under investigation.
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See All 2 AnswersThe inflammatory response, linked to an elevated metabolic state, expends energy. Polymyositis may result in a decrease in energy level due to ongoing systemic inflammation and muscle weakness. Patients with polymyositis will have not only weak muscles but also a generalized feeling of fatigue.
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Polymyositis and inflammatory arthritides are consequences of an abnormal immune response. Release of inflammatory mediators like IL-1 and TNF-a result in inflammation.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredPolymyositis may cause you to develop difficulty speaking. Polymyositis is a general term for a group of diseases that cause muscles to become inflamed. The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness. The act of speaking requires coordinated muscle movement, so this condition may make it difficult to communicate clearly. -
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Cardiac muscle can be affected by inflammation leading to pericarditis which can increase the heart rate. Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy may develop.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredPolymyositis may cause you to develop difficulty swallowing. Polymyositis is a general term for a group of diseases that cause muscles to become inflamed. The main symptom of polymyositis is muscle weakness. Swallowing food requires coordinated muscle movement, so this condition may make it difficult to eat. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop this problem, which is known as dysphagia.