Polymyositis and the Spectrum of Scleroderma Disorders
  • Joana Cochicho
    Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre
  • João Madaleno
    Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre
  • Emília Louro
    Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre
  • Adélia Simão
    Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre
  • Armando Carvalho
    Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre

Keywords

Polymyositis, Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma, Overlap syndrome

Abstract

Polymyositis (PM) is usually associated to other autoimmune or connective tissue diseases. The authors report the case of a 59-year-old man with pulmonary fibrosis, who presented with constitutional symptoms and gradually developed proximal muscle weakness, Raynaud phenomenon, and dysphagia. Besides creatine kinase (CK) elevation, he had positive anti-Polymyositis-Scleromyositis (PM-Scl) and anti-Sjögren's-syndrome A (SSA) antibodies. Nailfold capillaroscopy showed a scleroderma pattern and muscle biopsy revealed necrosis, regeneration of muscle fibers, and inflammatory infiltrate. Prednisolone was started, with great improvement. Taking into account the overlap features between PM and systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma, it is important to closely monitor the patient for signs of pulmonary and cardiac decompensation.

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References

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    Published: 2015-12-22
    Issue: Vol. 3 No. 1 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Cochicho J, Madaleno J, Louro E, Simão A, Carvalho A. Polymyositis and the Spectrum of Scleroderma Disorders. EJCRIM 2015;3 doi:10.12890/2015_000346.

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