It is SLE with joint, skin and serositis involvement. Treatment is EC at moderate-high doses. Mycophenolate is never a treatment in acute phase but in maintenance, nor has it proved useful in joint involvement.

It is SLE with joint, skin and serositis involvement. Treatment is EC at moderate-high doses. Mycophenolate is never a treatment in acute phase but in maintenance, nor has it [HIDDEN].

A 37-year-old man presents with arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joints of both hands and right pleuritis. Bilateral malar erythema is seen on examination. Positive antinuclear antibodies were detected (titer 1/640), with anti native DNA antibodies also positive; anti-Sm negative What would be the initial treatment of choice for this patient?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antimalarials.

The picture will probably be self-limited and does not require treatment.

[Two cases of rheumatoid arthritis developed after polymyositis].

We report two cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who later had developed after polymyositis (PM). The first patient was 64-year old male who experienced muscular weakness of the four limbs in proximity 10 years ago. He was diagnosed as PM because of the elevated serum CK and the myogenic pattern of EMG, and his symptoms were improved by treatment with corticosteroid. He started to complain polyarthralgia 2 years ago, followed by interstitial pneumonia, pleuritis and skin ulcer. He was admitted because of exacerbated polyarthralgia, multiple subcutaneous nodules, skin eruption and fever. The level of serum CK was within normal range but CRP was elevated and CH 50 was decreased. The laboratory examination showed positive cryoglobulin and high titer of rheumatoid factor, but anti-Jo 1 antibody was negative. The hand X-ray showed bone erosions in bilateral wrist joints. Skin biopsy revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Based on these findings, he was diagnosed as malignant RA. He was successfully treated with methylprednisolone pulse therapy, cyclophosphamide and prostaglandin E 1. The second patient was 77-year old male with pneumoconiosis who experienced muscular weakness of the four limbs in proximity 4 years ago. He was diagnosed as PM based on his clinical and laboratory findings and was treated with temporary corticosteroid. He started to have polyarthralgia last year, and he was admitted because of increasing arthralgia after the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. The level of serum CK was slightly elevated due to hypothyroidism, and CRP was highly elevated. Rheumatoid factor and cryoglobulin were positive, but anti-Jo 1 antibody was negative. The hand X-ray showed bone erosions in bilateral wrist joints. Crystals of pyrophosphate calcium was observed in knee joints. He was diagnosed as RA associate with pseudogout. His symptoms were relieved with corticosteroid, salazosulfapyridine and anti-tuberculous therapy. These two cases had altered their clinical features from PM to definite RA, and both had pulmonary complications. Previous reports described the cases of RA followed by PM, most of which were induced by such drugs as D-penicillamine, but the cases of PM who later had developed RA are extremely unusual. The overlapped cases of RA and PM tend to highly associate with pulmonary lesions.

Rowell Syndrome in Nigeria: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Recurrent Erythema Multiforme in a Young Woman.

Dear Editor, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterized by diverse patterns of auto-antibody production with multi-organ affectation. Cutaneous involvement, either alone or in association with other systemic illnesses, is one of its most common manifestations (1). Dermatologic disorders like malar and discoid rashes are quite suggestive of SLE. However, the occurrence of non-specific skin lesions like erythema multiforme (EM) in patients with SLE (Rowell syndrome) can rarely occur (1). In such patients, a diagnosis of SLE may be missed or delayed in the absence of other overt clinical features of lupus. Herein we report a case of recurring EM-like eruptions as the cardinal cutaneous manifestation of previously undiagnosed, active SLE in a young Nigerian woman. A 26-year-old Nigerian woman presented with a three-day history of non-pruritic, generalized, and target-like, erythematous annular patches and plaques which mostly affected the trunk. A few lesions had presented with crusting and erosions at the time of examination (Figure 1). Associated symptoms included oral painful ulcers, low grade fever, and malaise. The patient had no other systemic symptoms and her prior drug history was not remarkable. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 66 mm/hour using the Westergren method. Screening for HIV and hepatitis B and C was negative. Herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein Barr viruses could not be screened for. Other baseline investigations (complete blood count, electrolytes, urea and creatinine as well as urinalysis) were within normal limits. The patient was managed as a case of EM of an unidentified inciting agent and her symptoms resolved with supportive care and antibiotics. However, she developed a recurrence about 5 weeks later, with more extensive and coalescent skin lesions (Figure 2). Additionally, there was a new onset of alopecia and pain in the small joints of the hands as well as both knees and ankles. At this time, the patient's ESR had gone up to 112 mm/h and she had developed significant proteinuria, with a protein creatinine ratio of 1.3 g/g (reference <0.5 g/g). Her antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer was high (1:320) with a speckled pattern. Anti-Smith antibody was also positive. A renal biopsy was declined. A tentative diagnosis of Rowell syndrome was made. The patient was started on high-dose steroids and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice daily. Subsequent care included the use of mycophenolate mofetil 1 g twice daily for 6 months. This was then changed to azathioprine at 50 mg twice daily. Follow-up after 6 months showed sustained clearance of skin lesions, resolution of fever and joint pains, as well as improvement in the renal profile, with a urine protein-creatinine ratio of 0.77 g/g. The presence of systemic lupus erythematosus, EM-like lesions, and a speckled pattern of antinuclear antibody in our patient fulfils the revised diagnostic criteria for RS put forward by Zeitouni et al. at the turn of the twenty-first century (2). Considering the rarity of EM-like lesions in SLE and the possibility of constitutional symptoms in EM, a diagnosis of RS may be readily overlooked in patients like the one described, whose major cutaneous manifestation of severe active SLE was EM-like lesions. In contrast to classic EM, where skin lesions are concentrated in the extremities, a predominant truncal distribution of EM-like lesions as found in our patient may favor a clinical consideration of RS (3). However, some authors have challenged the existence of Rowell syndrome as a distinct clinical laboratory entity. Arguments put forward in this regard include the fact that none of the immunological markers that have been described in RS are specific to any disorder. Additionally, the annular polycyclic dermatosis seen in sub-acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) can be difficult to clinically and histologically differentiate from EM (4,5). Patients with SLE also have a higher likelihood of developing adverse drug reactions (6). The inherent complexity of SLE may make for delayed and oftentimes difficult diagnosis, especially in a country where immunologic tests are expensive and rheumatologists are scarce. When patients do occasionally present with recurrences of skin lesions in the spectrum of EM, Steven-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis in the absence of a definite inciting agent, undiagnosed lupus may indeed be present in some of these individuals and should be considered in the differential diagnosis. In conclusion, while it is very rare, SLE may present first with recurrent episodes of EM-like rash. Despite the various possibilities which underlie their association, prompt identification and treatment of SLE in patients presenting with EM is important to prevent death or irreversible organ damage.

[Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis: A case report].

A 65-year-old woman developed erythema, papules and nodules over the body. Some nodules of her auricles and hands like string beads. Besides, she suffered from symmetrical swelling and pain of multiple joints, morning stiffness with deformity of joints; She had elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C reactive protein levels; Her rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody were positive; Joints destruction was found with X-ray imaging; Skin pathology showed Dermal infiltrate of abundant histiocytes, part of them with a ground-glass appearance; A CD68 immunohistochemical stain was positive and the cells were negative for S100, CD1a. These findings were diagnostic evidences of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH). The patient received high-dose of glucocorticoids combinated with immunosuppressive agents, and achieved a satisfactory effect. MRH was a rare multisystem disease characterized by papulonodular mucocutaneous and destructive arthritis, and its pathogeny was not yet completely understood. The typical lesions of MRH were hard papules or nodules that usually occured on the hands, face and arms. Classic coral bead appearance from periungual cutaneous nodules that were characteristic of MRH. MRH was an inflammatory joint disease, affecting almost all the appendicular joints and characterized by joint multiple, symmetrical, destructive, progressive disability. Joints destruction of the distal interphalangeal joints was a unique feature of MRH. In addition to skin and joints, it could also involve other systems. There were no diagnostic laboratory markers for MRH. Laboratory examinations had often been found to be non-specific. Imageological examination mainly showed bone and joint destruction. Skin biopsy was the best test to diagnose MRH, the typical histopathological findings included an infiltrate with histiocytes and multinucleated giant cells with a ground-glass appearing in eosinophilic cytoplasm, and the immunohistochemical stain was positive for CD68. The diagnosis was typically made based on the clinical presentation, supportive radiographic findings and skin biopsy. MRH was easily possible to mistake for other more common autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and dermatomyositis, but the distinctive clinical, radiographic, and histologic features could aid in differentiating these diseases. MRH could mimic other rheumatic diseases, besides, it could also coexist with cancer or other autoimmune disorders. There was no standardized treatment for MRH. However, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoid, Immunosuppressant, biologic medications, and bisphosphonates had been used with varying degrees of curative effect. Treatment with glucocorticoid combined with immunosuppressants were effective for rash and arthritis, early use of them should be strongly considered, and refractory cases could be treated with biological agents. By reporting a MRH case and reviewing literature, this paper aims to help the clinicians improve the understanding of this rare disease, and suggests that when one diagnosis cannot explain the whole picture of the disease, and further evidence should be sought to confirm the diagnosis.

[Lack of therapeutic response: Is it really a rheumatoid Arthritis?]

A 78-year-old female patient was referred to our hospital with treatment-resistant seronegative anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA)-negative rheumatoid arthritis. The course was characterized by high inflammatory activity and rapid progression of the erosive changes. Under the required high-dose prednisolone therapy, osteoporosis and a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) with pulmonary embolism developed. A physical examination revealed symmetrical, painful, synovial swelling of the metacarpophalangeal, proximal-interphalangeal and distal-interphalangeal (MCP, PIP, and DIP) joints, finger joint-related violaceous erythema, contractures of the long fingers, and advanced deformities bilaterally. Pain and weakness in the muscles of her proximal extremities led to difficulties in raising her arms and climbing stairs. The results of laboratory tests showed negative RF (rheumatoid factor) and ACPAs, positive ANA (anti-nuclear antibodies) with titer 1:5120, a nuclear fluorescence pattern and a positive anti-Mi-2 Antibodies in the myositis blot. Conventional x-ray showed erosive and advanced mutilating joint changes in both hands. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the proximal extremities showed a pronounced muscle atrophy without sights of active myositis.This clinical constellation leads to the diagnosis of an amyopathic dermatomyositis. The patient was started on intravenous prednisone 100 mg daily, 4 days, followed by rapid dose tapering in the setting of accompanying risk factors such as Osteoporosis, arterial Hypertension and blurred vision. This treatment leads to improvement of symptoms. The basic therapy was switched to Rituximab. An extended tumor search was recommended on an outpatient basis. A seronegative, ACPA negative, therapy-resistant RA with a rapidly progressive erosive course requires a diagnostic re-evaluation. An erosive, rapidly progressing polyarthritis is commonly seen as manifestation of the subtype inflammatory myopathies associated with anti-Jo 1 antibodies, known as anti-synthetase syndrome. However, associations with the presence of other myositis specific antibodies (MSA) have been also described. The anti-Mi-2 Antibodies are highly specific for dermatomyositis (DM).Amyopathic DM is not common, but the disease course and prognosis do not differ significantly from myopathic DM.As a sudden presentation of DM may be of paraneoplastic origin a further examination in order to exclude malignancy are indicated.

InternalMed_Harrison

Diagnosis: Symptom complex suggestive of SLE Order laboratory tests: ANA, CBC, platelets, urinalysis All tests normal symptoms subside All tests normal symptoms persist ANA positive Not SLE Not SLE Treatment Repeat ANA, add anti-dsDNA, anti-Ro All negative Some positive Definite SLE (˜4 criteria, Table 378-3) Possible SLE (<4 criteria, Table 378-3) Not lifeor organ-threatening Lifeor organ-threatening Quality of life: Acceptable Quality of life: Not acceptable High-dose glucocorticoids, usually with addition of second agent Conservative manage-ment (Table 378-5) Conservative treatment plus low-dose glucocorticoids Consider belimumab Mycophenolate mofetil (or myfortic acid) Cyclophosphamide Low or high dose Do not exceed 6 months of Rx After response, d/c cyclophosphamide; maintain with mycophenolate or azathioprine No response Response Taper dose of all agents, especially glucocorticoids Belimumab, Rituximab, calcineurin inhibitors, or experimental therapies

Rowell's Syndrome Triggered by Omeprazole.

Dear Editor, Rowell's syndrome is a rare disease, characterized by the appearance of erythema multiforme (EM)-like lesions in patients with lupus erythematosus. It was initially reported by Rowell (1) in 1963 and its existence as a separate clinical entity is currently under debate (2,3). A few cases may have been induced by drugs such as systemic antimycotics, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and more recently proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). CASE REPORT We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) and EM-like lesions who fulfilled all the criteria for Rowell's syndrome. The patient had lupus arthritis for two years and was treated with oral methylprednisolone 8 mg/day and hydroxychloroquine 200 mg/day. She started receiving 20 mg of omeprazole daily for gastroprotection. The patient also had arterial hypertension with no current treatment, osteoporosis, and an L1 vertebral fracture. The dermatological examination revealed multiple erythematous infiltrated plaques involving mainly the sun-exposed areas (neck, chest, upper back, and shoulders). Cutaneous lesions had an annular or target pattern and a tendency to form hemorrhagic crusts and scales at the margins (Figure 1, A). The mucous membranes were unaffected. Histological examination (hematoxylin and eosin ×200) found epidermal atrophy, vacuolar degeneration of the basal layer, and sparse perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate in the dermis - features corresponding to lupus erythematosus (Figure 2, A). Single eosinophilic necrotic keratinocytes characteristic for erythema multiforme were observed in the epidermis (Figure 2, B). Direct immunofluorescence (IF) from lesional skin showed granular deposits of C3 on the dermo-epidermal junction. Lupus band test from sun-protected, nonlesional skin was negative. On indirect IF a speckled pattern antinuclear antibodies (ANA) with >1:1280 titers were detected. Anti-Ro (>200 U/mL) and anti-La (>200 U/mL) antibodies were also positive. The blood cell count and differential analysis were within reference ranges. The 24-hour urine protein test showed a non-significant proteinuria - 0.36 g/24h. Photo-testing was impossible considering the extent of the skin lesions. The therapeutic approach consisted of increasing the hydroxychloroquine dose to 400 mg/day, substituting PPI with famotidine 20 mg/day p.o. and ceftriaxone 2 g/day for the superinfection with Ps. aeruginosa, which led to a clinical improvement (Figure 1, B). The methylprednisolone dose remained unchanged due to already existing severe adverse effects. DISCUSSION The diagnosis was based on Zeitouni et al.'s classification (4). The three main criteria are as follows: lupus erythematosus, EM-like lesions, and speckled pattern of ANA. Our patient met all three major and one minor criteria, namely the presence of anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies. As for the other minor criteria, RF was negative and no chilblains were found. Although there was a continuous time lapse (more than 1 year) between the initiation of omeprazole intake and the diagnosis of Rowell's syndrome, we suggest that the connection is probable. For instance, the latency differs depending on the incriminated medication in drug induced SCLE. Longer periods are reported for diuretics and calcium blockers, while the time interval is shorter for chemotherapeutic drugs and antimycotics (5). Our suspicions were further confirmed by the fact that the lesions improved promptly within a month after discontinuation of omeprazole and doubling the dose of hydroxychloroquine. PPIs are reported to be a major cause of drug-induced SCLE (6,7). According to Laurinaviciene et al., the most common drugs involved are PPIs, thiazide diuretics, antifungals, chemotherapeutics, statins, and antiepileptics (6). However, very few cases of Rowell's syndrome are found to be drug-related. The culprit drugs include: oral terbinafine (8,9), norfloxacin (10), sodium valproate (11) and esomeprazole (12) (Table 1). CONCLUSION Despite the common clinical and immunological features shared between SCLE, drug-induced SCLE and EM, Rowell's syndrome seems to be a separate entity rather than a coincidental association. Finally, according to our knowledge this case would be the second of Rowell's syndrome due to PPIs.

A Rare Case of Adult-onset Still's Disease with Anti-Ro Antibody Positive.

Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder. The exact pathogenesis is unknown but believed to have multiple etiologies. The Yamaguchi criteria are used to aid in the diagnosis of AOSD. Typical characteristics are spiking fevers, febrile rash, arthritis, and the absence of other serologic markers of rheumatic diseases. We present a case of a 31-year-old Hispanic female who presented with fevers, arthritis, febrile rash, high ferritin levels, and cervical and axillary lymphadenopathies. The unique feature of our case is that the patient was positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers of greater than 1:640 and anti-Ro antibody. She responded with the pulse dose steroids and later prescribed methotrexate and tapered off prednisone with improvement in her symptoms.

Eosinophilic Fasciitis - Clinical Features and Therapeutic Management.

Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare disease from the group of scleroderma-like connective tissue diseases with unclear etiopathogenesis. It may be occasionally accompanied with other eosinophilic or autoimmune dysfunctions (1,2). Lack of international diagnostic criteria and treatment consensus may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties. The 61-year-old man with no significant personal or family pathological history was admitted to the Dermatology Department presenting persistent induration for several months as well as erythema and pain of the shins that gradually extended to thighs and forearms, with limited mobility of peripheral joints. (Figure 1) Additional tests showed leukocytosis with 16% eosinophilia, elevated CRP, and hypergammaglobulinemia. Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies (classes IgM and IgG) were negative twice. A biopsy that included deep fascia was taken for histopathological examination. Antinuclear antibody screening was negative, but the direct immunofluorescence showed complexes in the dermo-epidermal junction and around the vessels. The diagnostics conducted toward malignant process showed no disturbing abnormalities (i.e. tumor markers in serum, chest, and abdomen computed tomography imaging, panendoscopy). The treatment was carried out with cephalosporin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The condition did not improve much but was stable. Histopathological results were indicative of eosinophilic fasciitis with fibrous thickening of deep fascia and perivascular infiltrations of plasma cells and lymphocytes; oral prednisone was initiated and the condition begin to improve. After 12 weeks, we observed disease progression with fever and very hard and cyanic skin lesions, which presented as an orange peel with linear furrows over the superficial venous vessels (Figure 2). The lesions extended to the trunk and caused troubles in moving. A complex rehabilitative intervention was started to minimize the inflammatory fascial restrictions. The prednisolone dose was increased, and oral methotrexate was added. After two weeks, the patient suffered from abdominal pain and periodic bleeding diarrhea. Methotrexate was suspected of inducing gastrointestinal adverse effects, and antipyretic NSAIDs were completely withdrawn. Colonoscopy showed features of mucosal edema with erythema, and histopathological examination revealed eosinophilic colitis. The patient was referred to a gastroenterologist, and methotrexate was ceased and switched to azathioprine. In summary, the consensus therapy of the rheumatologist, dermatologist, and gastroenterologist consisted of prednisolone and azathioprine. As of this writing, the patient's condition is gradually improving. The most characteristic symptoms of eosinophilic fasciitis is sudden onset with induration, sclerosis, and pain of the skin, with subcutaneous tissue and fascia usually appearing on the upper and lower limbs (3,4). The skin surface forms a characteristic orange peel appearance. The "groove" sign refers to the linear furrows over the superficial vessels of the extremities (1). Typical abnormalities are eosinophilia, elevated CRP, and hypergammaglobulinemia. The presence of eosinophilia is the most characteristic feature, occurring in 60-93% cases, but it is not necessary for diagnosis (1,5). Antinuclear antibodies are commonly absent with positive lesional direct immunofluorescence (6). If antinuclear antibodies are positive, it is recommended to broaden the diagnostic process to include other connective tissue diseases. Eosinophilia must be differentiated from hematological disorders and paraneoplastic syndrome. (4,6). Eosinophilic colitis is an eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID). It is the least frequent manifestation of EGID. It may be associated with connective tissue diseases, mostly systemic sclerosis - to our knowledge, there is no information in the literature about coexisting eosinophilic fasciitis. (7,8). The case described herein demonstrated that such a connection may occur. In treatment, it is important to prevent the patient from contractures and to maintain joint mobility by appropriate physiotherapy (2,9). The fascia forms a functional integral and continuous structure. Inflammation of one part of it changes the elasticity of the whole and produces fascial restrictions with movement limitation and pain. The fascia is profusely innervated, which favors constriction as a result of inflammation, and is also poorly vascularized which disrupts its regeneration (9,10). Myofascial techniques improve fascia elasticity by breaking up the tissue adhesions caused by inflammation (11). Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare clinical entity, but knowing the possible clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities should help in taking the appropriate diagnostic path. It is important to treat the patient with attention to all concomitant diseases in consultation with different specialists.

InternalMed_Harrison

Several developments during the past two decades have changed the therapeutic landscape in RA. They include (1) the emergence of methotrexate as the disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) of first choice for the treatment of early RA; (2) the development of novel highly efficacious biologicals that can be used alone or in combination with methotrexate; and (3) the proven superiority of combination DMARD regimens over methotrexate alone. The medications used for the treatment of RA may be divided into broad categories: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and methylprednisolone; conventional DMARDs; and biologic DMARDs (Table 380-2). Although disease for some patients with RA is managed adequately with a single DMARD, such as methotrexate, the situation in most cases demands the use of a combination DMARD regimen that may vary in its components over the treatment course depending on fluctuations in disease activity and emergence of

Pemphigoid

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) ELISA for bullous pemphigoid are commercially available to test for circulating Ig against NC16A domain of BP180 and BP230, known as bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 [BPAg2] and bullous pemphigoid antigen 1 [BPAg1] respectively. Antibodies to BP180NC16A domain is useful for the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid as it has a sensitivity of 89% and specificity of 98%. Detection of BP180 and/or BP230 antibodies in serum does not give a confirmative diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid. A study has reported that 7% were tested positive for one or both autoantibodies in one series of 337 people without bullous pemphigoid. ELISA findings should be correlated with DIF to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis. Treatment The treatment for bullous pemphigoid include: 1. Corticosteroids i. Topical Corticosteroids ii. Systemic corticosteroids 2. Glucocorticoid-sparing drugs i. Immunosuppressive drugs ii. Anti-inflammatory drugs 3. Biologic therapy

Systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Treatment Treatment with either glucocorticoids, methotrexate, anakinra, or tocilizumab has been examined. Anakinra has been shown to resolve the clinical features of the disease in 87% of patients. It also induces remission in half of corticosteroid-resistant patients. The results of another study were similar, with half of the patients responding to treatment with Anakinra. Canakinumab, an antibody to interleukin-1 beta, is indicated for treatment in patients who respond poorly to other treatments. Prognosis 25% of cases progress to severe destructive arthritis. In the United States, mortality is estimated at about 4% and in Europe, mortality is estimated at 21.7%. History Still's disease is named after English physician Sir George Frederic Still (1861–1941). It was characterized by EG Bywaters in 1971. References External links Arthritis Pediatrics Rheumatology Connective tissue diseases Inflammatory polyarthropathies Idiopathic diseases Rare diseases

Autoimmune hepatitis

Classification On the basis of detected autoantibodies, autoimmune hepatitis can be classified into three subtypes but have no distinct clinical presentations. Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. Positive antibodies include: Antinuclear antibody (ANA) Anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA) - 65% of people Anti-actin antibodies Anti-mitochondrial antibodies - rare except for overlap syndromes with primary biliary cholangitis Anti-soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antibody antigen - 20% of people Anti-double stranded DNA - 30% of people Atypical perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis. Positive antibodies include: Liver Kidney Microsomal antibody (LKM-1) Anti-liver cytosol antibody-1 (SLC-1) Autoantibody negative autoimmune hepatitis. Lack positive ANA, ASMA, LKM-1, etc. antibody panels but present with clinical features of autoimmune hepatitis that resolve with standard treatment.

InternalMed_Harrison

FIGUrE 390-10 Approach to chronic disease is based on whether glucocorticoid therapy is tolerated or not. Hydroxychloroquine 200–400 mg qd 400 mg qd Eye exam q6–12 mo Ocular B: Some forms of D: Routine eye exam disease Azathioprine 50–150 mg qd 50–200 mg qd CBC, renal q2mo Hematologic, nausea C: Some forms D: Routine hematologic chronic disease monitoring Abbreviations: CBC, complete blood count; PPD, purified protein derivative test for tuberculosis. Source: Adapted from RP Baughman, O Selroos: Evidence-based approach to treatment of sarcoidosis, in PG Gibson et al (eds): Evidence-Based Respiratory Medicine. Oxford, BMJ Books Blackwell, 2005, pp 491–508.

Löfgren syndrome

Löfgren syndrome consists of the triad of erythema nodosum, bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy on chest radiograph, and joint pain. Genetics Recent studies have demonstrated that the HLA-DRB1*03 is strongly associated with Löfgren syndrome. Diagnosis The triad of erythema nodosum, acute arthritis, and bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy is highly specific (>95%) for the diagnosis of Löfgren syndrome. When the triad is present, further testing with additional imaging and laboratory testing is unnecessary. Treatment NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are the usual recommended treatment for Löfgren syndrome. Colchicine or low-dose prednisone may also be used. Prognosis Löfgren syndrome is associated with a good prognosis, with > 90% of patients experiencing disease resolution within 2 years. In contrast, patients with the disfiguring skin condition lupus pernio or cardiac or neurologic involvement rarely experience disease remission.

Anti-MDA-5 Dermatomyositis Presenting with Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease: A Cautionary Tale.

A 68-year-old Indian man presented with a pruritic eruption on his neck, back, elbows, knees, and the dorsum of his hands. He was initially treated for possible Lyme's disease by his primary care physician, but without improvement. Then he developed daily chills and fevers up to 101 °F, as well as shortness of breath. A chest radiograph showed patchy airspace opacities suggestive of atypical pneumonia, and the patient was treated with levofloxacin and prednisone. Although prednisone diminished the eruption, the patient continued to experience fever, malaise, and generalized weakness, at which point he was hospitalized. Blood cultures and an antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were negative and extensive lab workup was only notable for an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (63 mm/hr, Reference Range 0-22), mild transaminitis (AST 77 U/L, Reference Range 10-40), hyponatremia (131 mEq/L, Reference Range 135-145) and elevated ferritin (440, Reference Range 20-500). The patient was discharged on 20 mg of prednisone, with referral to rheumatology and dermatology for possible autoimmune diseases.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We recently encountered a patient with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) that was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A 34-year-old Chinese female with a 3-year history of SLE presented with acute bilateral leg weakness and paraparesis, and lost the ability to walk 1 day after noticing bilateral leg numbness and pain for 12 days. Physical examination revealed bilateral facial muscle paralysis, muscle strength in the legs with graded 1/5 proximally and 2/5 distally bilaterally and absence of deep tendon reflex in both knees and ankles. Paresthesia was observed in distal limbs with glove and stocking distribution. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis demonstrated albuminocytologic dissociation. Electrophysiologic survey also indicated sensory-motor demyelinating polyneuropathy. The diagnosis of SLE was established based on her initial symptoms including intermittent fevers, hair loss, oral ulcers, malar rash and arthritis affecting the elbow, wrist and hand joints; positive immunologic findings for antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-DNA antibody, anti-Smith (anti-Sm) antibody, low serum complement levels, and the kidney biopsy specimen showed glomerular mesangial proliferation with focal endothelial cell proliferation (ISN/PPS 2004 classification lupus nephritis, class III). Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide resulted in clinical and electrophysiological improvement.

[Adult-onset Still's disease].

Adult-onset Still's disease is a rare inflammatory systemic disease. Cardinal symptoms/manifestations are fever, arthralgias or arthritis, myalgias, the typical skin rash, sore throat, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy and serositis. Several other symptoms and organ involvements are possible. The clinical picture is variable with mild to life-threatening courses. The disease is self-limiting, intermittently active or chronic. Because of the lack of a defined diagnostic test the diagnosis of AOSD can only be made after exclusion of several differential diagnoses in particular of infectious, malignant and autoimmune origin. For therapy non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologics can be used.

Pemphigoid

Glucocorticoid sparing drugs For patients who require high dose of corticosteroids for clearing or maintenance, glucocorticoid sparing agents such as immunosuppressive drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs can be used as an adjunct therapy to reduce the systemic side effects of corticosteroids. Patients who have comorbidities and contraindications for corticosteroids may also consider these glucocorticoid sparing agents. Immunosuppressant drug Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (1–3 mg/kg/day in two equally divided doses), mycophenolate mofetil (1000–3000 mg/day or 40 mg/kg/day in two divided doses), and methotrexate (10–15 mg/week).

Adult onset Still's disease: review of 41 cases.

To describe the clinical, laboratory and radiological features, treatment and prognosis of patients with adult onset Still's disease (AOSD). Specific clinical features were retrospectively recorded in 41 patients fulfilling the Yamaguchi criteria. Patients were reviewed in two academic hospitals with a referral area of 700,000-1,000,000 inhabitants. Laboratory tests including haemogram, ferritin, biochemistry and autoimmunity were reviewed. Radiological studies, treatment and ACR functional class were determined. Forty-one patients with AOSD were identified, 25 of whom were female. Mean age at diagnosis: 38.19 years (range 17-68). Feverish polyarthritis was the most common clinical presentation. Acute phase reactants were invariably high in all patients. Serum ferritin levels were elevated in 86% of patients. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP antibodies) were negative in all patients except one. The course of the disease was monocyclic in 44% of the patients, polycyclic in 26%, and chronic articular in 30%. ACR class was as follows: 29 (72.5%) class I, 7 (17.5%) class II, 2 (5%) class III and 2 (5%) class IV. As for the treatment received, aspirin or NSAIDs controlled the disease in eight patients (19.5%) and high-dose corticosteroids (0.5-1 mg/kg/day) in 32 (78%). Almost half of the patients (49%) required an additional diseasemodifying agent, usually methotrexate. Finally, in seven of them (17%) a biological treatment with TNF-α or specially anti-IL-1 had to be added to control the disease. The clinical and laboratory findings were similar to previous studies. Anti-CCP antibodies were almost always negative. A monocyclic course was associated with a good prognosis. Most of the patients were in ACR functional class I and II. Biological agents were required in 7 patients (17%).

Drug-induced lupus erythematosus

Diagnosis Antinuclear antibodies are usually positive in drug-induced Lupus. Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) can also be positive in association with certain drugs. Furthermore, Anti-Histone antibodies can also be positive in drug-induced lupus. Anti-Histone antibodies are positive in up to 95% of patients with drug induced lupus. The most common medications associated with drug induced lupus are hydralazine, procainamide, isoniazid, methyldopa, chlorpromazine, quinidine, and minocycline. Treatment It is important to recognize early that these drugs are causing DIL like symptoms and discontinue use of the drug. Symptoms of drug-induced lupus erythematosus generally disappear days to weeks after medication use is discontinued. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will quicken the healing process. Corticosteroids may be used if more severe symptoms of DIL are present.

[Polyarteritis nodosa with a spontaneous recovery].

The periarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a serious necrotizing vasculitis. Healing is, classically, obtained after a long-term treatment using corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. Reporting the case of a NAP or was spontaneous healing without having recourse to any immunosuppressive treatment. We report an observation of a patient aged 27 monitoring for manic-depressive psychosis hospitalized for a fever during the course associated with high blood pressure (hypertension), a weight loss, asthenia and myalgia. Biology was a biological inflammatory syndrome (SIB), a creatinine 115 micromol/l. The survey infectious and immunological balance were negative. The arteriography showed a strongly evocative of the NAP. We have seen no sign of poor prognosis. The recovery was spontaneous after a short period of evolution with an amendment clinical and biological weapons. The patient was put under anti-HTA and reviewed regularly to the consultation. An analogy is drawn between such developments and already reported in some cases of viral PAN. The actual frequency of self-limitting PAN is unknown. The scarcity of cases reported in the literature may in part be attributed to ignorance.

Can SARS-CoV-2 infection trigger rheumatoid arthritis? A case report.

Inflammatory arthritis has been reported after SARS-COV-2 infection. We present a case of a 38-year-old female patient who developed polyarthralgia 1 month after SARS-COV-2 infection. Musculoskeletal examination was significant for synovitis of hands and wrists. Antinuclear antibody (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies were positive. Magnetic resonance imaging of the hands showed synovitis of the metacarpophalangeal joints and proximal interphalangeal joints of the hands, wrist joints, and tendinitis with tenosynovitis. The patient was diagnosed with seropositive nonerosive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and initiated on therapy using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug methotrexate leading to an improvement in symptoms.

[Microscopic polyangiitis associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies: clinical features].

To study the clinical features of early- and extended-stage microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) and its outcomes on the basis of a long-term follow-up in a rheumatologist's practice. The clinical features of early- and extended-stage MPA were studied in detail and the premorbid background and possible precipitating factors were analyzed in 70 patients with MPA and the proven hyperproduction of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (anti-proteinase-3 (anti-PR3) antibodies in 55% and anti-myeloperoxidase (anti-MPO) antibodies in 45%) who had been followed up for more than a year. There is evidence for the nosological unity of the two immunological types of MPA associated with anti-PR-3 or anti-MPO antibodies. MPA has been demonstrated to be an aggressive, polysyndromic disease prone to recurrences (52%), the typical manifestation of which is glomerulonephritis (94%) that is rapidly progressive in every four cases and accompanied by hemorrhagic alveolitis (69%) and involvement of other organs. ENT organs and lungs have been noted to be commonly involved in early-stage MPA, which was observed in 61% of the patients in the premorbid period, and to become the first manifestation of MPA (63%) concurrent with body temperature rises (64%), arthralgia or arthritis (41%). Respiratory tract involvement in MPA may be asymptomatic. Anti-PR-3-associated MPA may manifest itself more aggressively and in the first 2 years it is characterized by a poorer prognosis than of anti-MPO-associated MPA (survival rates, 82 and 94%, respectively; p = 0.04). With time, the differences were levelled off; recurrences in the patients with anti-PR-3 and anti-MPO develop equally frequently and proceed showing the similar clinical picture; the survival curves converge by age 3. Anti-MPO-associated MPA is characterized by the highest rate of lung involvement in the clinical phase of the disease (61%) and by a propensity to develop hemorrhagic alveolitis, diffuse interstitial (22%) or circumscribed pulmonary fibrosis in the outcome. CONCLUSION. The findings emphasize how important to diagnose MPA early and to prescribe long-term active treatment using the entire current arsenal of medications as soon as possible until severe injury to organs and systems develops. To specify regularities in the development of MPA may be of value for the better diagnosis of the disease and the further elaboration of optimal treatment policy.

Gero Hütter

to express wildtype CCR5 (because they hadn't been replaced yet from bone marrow precursors), also had no detectable virus. After 600 days without antiretroviral drug treatment, the patient's blood, bone marrow and bowel HIV levels were below the limit of detection; the virus was thought to be present in other tissues. However, the patient actually had a brain biopsy, in addition to biopsies of his intestines, liver, lymph nodes, bone marrow—basically, every part of the body that can be biopsied. All were negative for virus. There is no virus in this person's body out to two and a half years off of all anti-HIV drugs. His antibody levels—called titers—are declining just the way expected if the patient was vaccinated against HIV and then the levels of antibodies were examined. They'd be very strong in the beginning, but would weaken if they are not re-exposed to the virus. It is believed this patient has no HIV in his body and therefore there is nothing to re-expose him, so the

Unusual presentation of lupus nephritis.

We report a male patient who presented with pyrexia, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, and pleural effusion with no cutaneous or musculoskeletal symptoms. Despite extensive investigation, no cause was detected. His initial serology was also negative for autoantibodies. The patient was placed on a trial of antitubercular treatment in view of a positive Mantoux test. His disease evolved into the full clinical picture of systemic lupus erythematosus with nephritis (World Health Organisation class IV) and strongly positive antinuclear antibody and dsDNA over a period of months. He was treated successfully with intravenous cyclophosphamide pulses along with oral prednisolone, and the disease was still in remission after 3 years of follow-up.

[Avellis syndrome in systemic rheumatoid vasculitis].

A 74-year-old man presented sudden onset hoarseness and dysphagia. Two months before this event, he had developed arthralgia of the shoulders, elbows, hands and foot and pleuritis which had been alleviated by a treatment with prednisolone. On admission, the patient could not phonate nor swallow at all. His soft palate was elevated at the right side. The uvula moved left when the patient tried to speak. Laryngoscopic examination revealed the paralysis of right vocal cord. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (79mm/1h), C-reactive protein (5.3mg/dl), rheumatoid factor (310 IU/ml) and Clq-binding immune complex (4.5 micrograms/ml) were elevated. Hepatitis C virus antibody titer was more than 10.8 IU/l. Anti-nuclear antibody was 1:20 (normal < 1:20) and anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (p-ANCA) was positive. Blood study also revealed the evidences of hemolytic anemia and hypoproteinemia. Hepatitis B virus markers, cryoglobulin, anti-ds DNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anti-SS-A, anti-SS-B antibodies were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brainstem was normal. A sural nerve biopsy revealed patchy demyelination of the fascicles. The teasing of nerve fibers showed segmental demyelination. Chest X-ray showed the interstitial pneumonia and pleuritis in the right lower lung. Otological examination revealed the bilateral secretory otitis media. A treatment with high dose prednisolone, ciclosporin and cyclophosphamide was partially effective. However we could not continue these medication because of the induction of liver damage. The patient died of multi-organ failure around a year after the emergence of aphonia and dysphagia. The autopsy specimen of the right vagus nerve showed the similar patchy damage of nerve fibers as was observed in the biopsied sural nerve. The present case was diagnosed as systemic rheumatoid vasculitis. The syndrome of aphonia and dysphagia due to paralysis of the unilateral soft palate and vocal cord is called Avellis syndrome. This syndrome has been reported mainly in relation with the infarction of lateral medulla. The present case shows that Avellis syndrome can be produced by mononeuritis of the vagus nerve.

[Anti-synthetase syndrome].

Antysynthetase syndrome is considered as a group ofidiopathic inflammatory myositis with charcteristic serologic hallmark--antibodies which recognise the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetasses (ARS). Clinical picture of those patients contains myositis and/or intersticial lung disease (ILD) and/or arthritis and/or fever and/or Raynaud phenomenon and sometimes characteristic look of mechanic's hands. Myositis can be overt, sometimes even absent, while IBP is major cause of morbidity and determines the outcome of the disease. Untill now eight different any-synthetase autoantibodies are recognised, and most frequent are findings of anti-histidyl-tRNa synthetase antibodies. Patients with other ARS autoantibodies usually have severe ILD. Drug of choice are steroids in dosage of 1 mg/kg with immunosupresive agent (azatioprin or methotrexate) while in severe IBP cyclophosphamide is needed. Recently succsesful treatment with rituximab in combination with cyclophosphamide is reported.

Rheumatology

Treatment Most rheumatic diseases are treated with analgesics, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug), steroids (in serious cases), DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), monoclonal antibodies, such as infliximab and adalimumab, the TNF inhibitor etanercept, and methotrexate for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The biologic agent rituximab (anti-B cell therapy) is now licensed for use in refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Physiotherapy is vital in the treatment of many rheumatological disorders. Occupational therapy can help patients find alternative ways for common movements that would otherwise be restricted by their disease. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often need a long term, coordinated and a multidisciplinary team approach towards management of individual patients. Treatment is often tailored according to the individual needs of each patient which is also dependent on the response and the tolerability of medications.

A 28-year-old man with chest and joint pains.

A 28-year-old man with extensive travel history to developing countries was hospitalised for intermittent sharp chest pains, worst when supine and with inspiration. Two weeks prior to presentation, he had suffered a flu-like illness with a sore throat, which was resolving. Physical examination was notable for mild fever and tachycardia with cervical lymphadenopathy and painful bilateral knee and wrist effusions. Cardiac auscultation was remarkable for a soft early-peaking systolic murmur over the aortic area with a decrescendo early diastolic murmur along the left sternal edge. There was mild leucocytosis, elevation of serum troponin and acute-phase reactants with an ECG showing sinus tachycardia. Echocardiographic windows were extremely limited but suggested the presence of pericardial effusion and aortic regurgitation. Cardiac MRI was performed (figure 1). Viral, microbiological and autoimmune testing was remarkable only for significant elevation of antistreptolysin-O titres (1450 IU rising to 1940 IU, normal <200 IU). Pericardiocentesis revealed an exudative effusion, which was negative by cytology and microbiological analysis, including for tuberculosis and fungi. The most appropriate next step is? Coronary angiographyEndomyocardial biopsyTreatment with colchicine for 3 monthsTreatment with corticosteroidsTreatment with high-dose salicylates and long-term penicillinFor the answer see page 808For the question see page 769.

Crescentic glomerular nephritis associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disorder where clinically significant renal involvement is relatively common. However, crescentic glomerular nephritis is a rarely described entity among the rheumatoid nephropathies. We report a case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis presenting with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative crescentic glomerular nephritis. A 54-year-old Sri Lankan woman who had recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis was being treated with methotrexate 10 mg weekly and infrequent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. She presented to our hospital with worsening generalized body swelling and oliguria of 1 month's duration. Her physical examination revealed that she had bilateral pitting leg edema and periorbital edema. She was not pale or icteric. She had evidence of mild synovitis of the small joints of the hand bilaterally with no deformities. No evidence of systemic vasculitis was seen. Her blood pressure was 170/100 mmHg, and her jugular venous pressure was elevated to 7 cm with an undisplaced cardiac apex. Her urine full report revealed 2+ proteinuria with active sediment (dysmorphic red blood cells [17%] and granular casts). Her 24-hour urinary protein excretion was 2 g. Her serum creatinine level was 388 μmol/L. Abdominal ultrasound revealed normal-sized kidneys with acute parenchymal changes and mild ascites. Her renal biopsy showed renal parenchyma containing 20 glomeruli showing diffuse proliferative glomerular nephritis, with 14 of 20 glomeruli showing cellular crescents, and the result of Congo red staining was negative. Her rheumatoid factor was positive with a high titer (120 IU/ml), but results for antinuclear antibody, double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid, and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (perinuclear and cytoplasmic) were negative. Antistreptolysin O titer <200 U/ml and cryoglobulins were not detected. The results of her hepatitis serology, retroviral screening, and malignancy screening were negative. Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 110 mm in the first hour, and her C-reactive protein level was 45 mg/dl. Her liver profile showed hypoalbuminemia of 28 g/dl. She was treated with immunomodulators and had a good recovery of her renal function. This case illustrates a rare presentation of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative crescentic glomerular nephritis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, awareness of which would facilitate early appropriate investigations and treatment.

[Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with arthritis: four cases].

Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with arthritis, or Ackerman's syndrome, is characterized by inflammatory articular flares of potentially destructive outcome and cutaneous lesions of varied patterns: cord-like lesions on the flanks or violaceous plaques on the trunk and limbs. Histologically, the main features are histiocytes laminated between collagen fibres, sometimes organized in rosettes comprising tiny granulomas surrounding fibres of homogeneous aspect. Four patients fitting this description were investigated. Cutaneous lesions displayed various patterns: cord-like lesions (one patient), brown plaques on the flanks edged with papules (one patient), grossly annular violaceous plaques on the back (one patient), and infiltrated plaques on the palms and thighs (one patient). Joint symptoms were present in all cases (one seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and one seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, both already known; acute rheumatoid arthritis in two cases). The histological pattern was quite similar in all cases, with laminated histiocytes in palisading layers mixed with swollen collagen fibres; "rosette" figures were present in two cases. Autoimmune response was seen with antinuclear antibodies (two cases) and/or rheumatoid factor (two cases). The short-term outcome of cutaneous lesions was rapidly favourable in most cases with systemic steroids (one case) or Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (one case), and spontaneously in one case. This entity, defined by the presence of inflammatory arthritis and cutaneous lesions of various clinical types, either more specific but infrequent (cord-like), or less specific but more frequent (plaque-like), and featuring a peculiar histological pattern, chiefly affects women aged between 30 and 80 years. Pathophysiological mechanisms and nosological borders are debatable and authors consider this condition as either an autonomous disease or else a mere subset of vasculitis with palisading granulomas in collagen vascular disorders, despite the rarity of authentic vasculitis. A setting of autoimmunity is frequently present. Furthermore, a fairly similar histological pattern is sometimes seen in some lesions forming a subset of cutaneous side-effects of drugs. Articular outcome may be unfavourable with joint destruction in more than half of patients, whether or not in a setting of rheumatoid arthritis. Spontaneous resorption can occur. Treatment has not yet been codified and is based primarily on anti-inflammatory drugs.

Antisynthetase syndrome

Diagnosis In the presence of suspicious symptoms a number of test are helpful in the diagnosis: Muscle enzymes are often elevated, i.e. creatine kinase Anti-Jo-1 antibody testing Electromyography Muscle biopsy Pulmonary function testing Lung biopsy Imaging such as High Resolution computed tomography In certain situations, testing of other antibodies, specific imaging (MRI, thoracic high resolution computed tomography), and swallowing evaluation may be needed. Treatment Unfortunately, treatment for the anti-synthetase syndrome is limited, and usually involves immunosuppressive drugs such as glucocorticoids. For patients with pulmonary involvement, the most serious complication of this syndrome is pulmonary fibrosis and subsequent pulmonary hypertension. Additional treatment with azathioprine and/or methotrexate may be required in advanced cases. Prognosis Prognosis is largely determined by the extent of pulmonary damage. References External links


Given this clinical picture, one possibility is dermatomyositis. Of the proposed tests, the determination of serum aldolase may be useful. Its elevation is characteristic of this disease. The biopsy should be muscular and not subcutaneous. Anti-smooth muscle antibodies are not characteristic of this disease.

A 75-year-old woman consults for violaceous lesions on the hands and neck together with progressive muscle weakness of 3 months of evolution. What diagnostic tests, among those indicated, can be useful for the diagnosis?

Determination of anti-smooth muscle antibodies.

Hereditary inclusion body myopathy

Diagnosis The most useful information for accurate diagnosis is the symptoms and weakness pattern. If the quadriceps are spared but the hamstrings and iliopsoas are severely affected in a person between ages of 20 - 40, it is very likely HIBM will be at the top of the differential diagnosis. The doctor may order any or all of the following tests to ascertain if a person has IBM2: Blood test for serum Creatine Kinase (CK or CPK); Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) / Electomyography (EMG); Muscle Biopsy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computer Tomography (CT) Scan to determine true sparing of quadriceps; Blood Test or Buccal swab for genetic testing;

Becker muscular dystrophy

In terms of the diagnosis of Becker muscular dystrophy symptom development resembles that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A physical exam indicates lack of pectoral and upper arm muscles, especially when the disease is unnoticed through the early teen years. Muscle wasting begins in the legs and pelvis, then progresses to the muscles of the shoulders and neck. Calf muscle enlargement (pseudohypertrophy) is quite obvious. Among the exams/tests performed are: Muscle biopsy (removes a small piece of muscle tissue, usually from the thigh, to check for dystrophin in muscle cells.) Creatine kinase test (checks the level of Creatine Kinase proteins in the blood. Creatine Kinase proteins are normally found inside of healthy muscle cells, but can be found in the blood when muscle cells are damaged.) Electromyography (shows that weakness is caused by destruction of muscle tissue rather than by damage to nerves.)

[Anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody-positive dermatomyositis with the preferential involvement of neck extensors: a case report].

A 68-year-old man with a 2-month history of progressive weakness and spontaneous pain in proximal limb muscles presented to our hospital with a dropped head. He started experiencing progressive dysphagia several days before admission. On admission, he had muscle weakness of the limbs and neck extensors with edema and induration in distal extremities. Laboratory tests showed elevation of muscle enzymes. FDG-PET/CT demonstrated multiple hypermetabolic lymph nodes, but the primary site was not identified; thus, metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary origin was considered. The patient was diagnosed with anti-nuclear matrix protein 2 antibody-positive paraneoplastic myopathy based on serum tests. Histological findings of the left biceps brachii muscle biopsy revealed severe variation in fiber size and perifascicular myofiber atrophy. Myofibers exhibited myxovirus resistance protein A expression predominantly in the perifascicular region. Following intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy and intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient's muscle strength improved with normalization of muscle enzyme levels. The dropped head was considered to have resulted from the preferential involvement of neck extensors based on the observed FDG-PET/CT uptake in neck extensors.

Inclusion body myositis

A diagnosis of inclusion body myositis was historically dependent on muscle biopsy results. Antibodies to cytoplasmic 5'-nucleotidase (cN1A; NT5C1A) have been strongly associated with the condition. In the clinical context of classic history and positive antibodies, a muscle biopsy might be unnecessary. Differential diagnosis IBM is often initially misdiagnosed as polymyositis. A course of prednisone is typically completed with no improvement and eventually, sIBM is confirmed. sIBM weakness comes on over months or years and progresses steadily, whereas polymyositis has an onset of weeks or months. Other forms of muscular dystrophy (e.g. limb girdle) must be considered as well.

Multi/minicore myopathy

Other features include a long head, low set ears and a short neck. The respiratory muscles can be moderately to severely affected and problems with breathing are common. Genetics The most common causes are mutations in the RYR1 and SEPN1 genes. In these cases the inheritance is autosomal recessive. Less common recessive mutations causing this condition include those in the TTN, MEGF10 and CACNA1S genes. Automsomal dominant mutations associated with this disease include those in MYH7 and CACNA1S. The pathogenesis is not well understood at present. Diagnosis The diagnosis may be suspected on clinical grounds. On blood testing the creatinine kinase may be raised. Imaging with ultrasound or MRI will show abnormalities in the affected muscles but these changes are not diagnostic. The diagnostic test is a muscle biopsy.

Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy

Diagnosis In terms of diagnosis of Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy, serum creatine kinase concentration and muscle biopsies can be obtained to help determine if the individual has FMCD. FKTN molecular genetic testing is used to determine a mutation in the FKTN gene after a serum creatine kinase concentration, muscle biopsies, and/or MRI imaging have presented abnormalities indicative of FCMD, the presence of the symptoms indicates Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy. The available genetic test include: Linkage analysis Deletion analysis Sequence analysis - exons Sequence analysis - entire coding region Treatment

[A case of polymyositis with repeated dysphagia and muscle weakness associated with peculiar findings of skin].

A case of polymyositis with repeated dysphagia and muscle weakness associated with peculiar findings of skin was reported. The patient was a 67-year-old man. His birth and development was normal. There was no family history of neuromuscular disease. On 26th March 1987 he was admitted to a hospital because of dysarthria and dysphagia after fever and diagnosed as having viral myositis. His conditions improved spontaneously with bed rest and he left hospital on 14th April. On 23rd April he had chill and sore throat with fever. On 27th he was admitted to the same hospital because of dysarthria and muscle weakness of the proximal portion of the upper limbs. These symptoms also improved with bed rest. He had repeated these symptoms several times and then he was admitted to our hospital on 12th June. On examination he showed the skin pigmentation under the right eye and the eruption in the back of hands and the buttocks. Muscle weakness was observed in the proximal portion of the upper limbs and the neck flexor. Laboratory tests in admission were as follows: sGOT 49 mU/ml, sGPT 104 mU/ml, LDH 1064 mU/ml, CPK 565 mM/ml, aldolase 25.2 IU/1/37 degrees C. Electromyography showed the typical myogenic changes and biopsy of left biceps brachii revealed inflammatory cells in the muscle fiber which are specific to polymyositis. Immuno-histochemical study is performed to analyse the subpopulation of mononuclear cells in biopsied muscle and skin. Mononuclear cells infiltrated into perimysium, endomysium and epidermis were positive for T11 and T8, but less positive for T4, B1 and Leu11. On the basis of these findings he was diagnosed as having "polymyositis syndrome".

Neuromuscular disease

Further causes of neuromuscular diseases are : Inflammatory muscle disorders Polymyalgia rheumatica (or "muscle rheumatism") is an inflammatory condition that mainly occurs in the elderly; it is associated with giant-cell arteritis(It often responds to prednisolone). Polymyositis is an autoimmune condition in which the muscle is affected. Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscular tissue due to any cause. Tumors Smooth muscle: leiomyoma (benign) Striated muscle: rhabdomyoma (benign) Diagnosis Diagnostic procedures that may reveal muscular disorders include direct clinical observations. This usually starts with the observation of bulk, possible atrophy or loss of muscle tone. Neuromuscular disease can also be diagnosed by various blood tests and using electrodiagnostic medicine tests including electromyography (measuring electrical activity in muscles) and nerve conduction studies. Genetic testing is an important part of diagnosing inherited neuromuscular conditions.

Calpainopathy

With calpain 3 mutation, proteins typically found at the triad are reduced, including CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II). Decreased CaMKII activity impairs induction of slow oxidative gene expression, which in turn impairs genes involving the mitochondria and lipid metabolism. Diagnosis Genetic testing is the most definitive test. If genetic testing is not available, a muscle biopsy with protein immunoanalysis can be used. Biopsy shows general dystrophic features, such as areas of muscle death, variability in muscle size, nuclei in the center of muscle fibers, and disorganized muscle fibers within muscle cells. Serum creatine kinase, a nonspecific marker of muscle damage, can be elevated early in the disease. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) can present similarly, although facial weakness and asymetrical weakness is common in FSHD. Management As of 2019, no disease modifying pharmaceuticals are known.

[Subcutaneous localizations of Castleman's pseudolymphoma. Review of the literature apropos of a case].

The angiofollicular lymphoid hyperplasia, first described in 1954 by Castleman in the mediastinum, is a quite rare pseudolymphoma where there are few subcutaneous localizations. Since 1954, more than 300 observations were published including mediastino-pulmonary forms (about 60 p. 100 of the cases) intra-abdominal forms (15 p. 100 of the cases) and superficial forms which represent 25 p. 100 of the cases and associate superficial ganglionic, intra-muscular and subcutaneous localizations. The authors report the observation of a 44-year-old negro who had a subcutaneous tumefaction of the left elbow which appeared recently without a functional sign nor a biological change. The histological findings allowed the diagnosis of Castleman's pseudolymphoma in a hyalino-vascular form or Flendrig's type II. The evolution was marked a few weeks later by a local recurrence of which a second surgery has secured the recovery. The detailed study of the 76 cases of Castleman's superficial pseudo-tumours published in the literature allows us to recall the features of this disease which affects especially the young adult without prevalence of sex at about 25 years old. The circumstances of discovery are univocal, isolated palpable subcutaneous tumefaction in most of the cases. The localizations are distributed by decreasing incidence as following: latero-cervical, axillary, sus-clavicular, inguinal, vulvar, abdominal wall, shoulder, arm, forearm with a few bifocal forms. The histological aspect associated a predominant lymphoid population and vessels with fibro-hyalinous wall which morphological variations have permitted to individualize three forms: a plasmocytic form or Flendrig's type I which should be a stage of beginning often associated with hematological changes, a hyalino-vascular form or Flendrig's type II more frequent and a mixed form or intermediary type. The immunofluorescence, histo-enzymology and immunohistochemistry studies reveal a changeable polyclonal plasmocytosis and a predominance of T-suppressors in the lymphocytic population. The histological differential diagnosis of the superficial forms of the Castleman's pseudolymphoma is rarely set with certain lymphoma in case of ganglionic localization. On the other hand isolated subcutaneous localizations must be distinguished of the Kimura's disease and of the angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophils where the vessels have a different morphology. The evolution is favorable in most of the cases and surgical exeresis insures the recovery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Muscle–eye–brain disease

Diagnosis Medical diagnosis for the MEB usually involves the study of family history, measurement of serum CPK level, molecular testing, muscle biopsy and imaging study. Physical examination People with MEB have distinctive facial dysmorphisms. Rounded forehead, thin and drooping lip, micrognathia, midface retrusion, short nasal bridge are the possible indicative evidence for diagnosis. Assessment of motor and mental development, visual ability also provide clues. Genetic test Genetic test can analyze the genome of infants for confirmation of the specific genetic mutation. Mutation in the POMGNT1 is the determinant in the diagnosis of MEB. Several mutations like [c.1539+1G→A], [c.879+5G→T] are the prevalent nucleotide change found in affected people. The commonly used practices collect fetal DNA by chronic villus sampling, followed by linkage analysis and direct sequencing to conclude the POMGNT1 gene sequence.

[Diagnosis of a myopathic disease in adult].

Strategy for the diagnosis of a muscle weakness includes two steps: to rely the weakness to a muscular origin and to find the aetiology. A muscular deficit is purely motor, without sensory signs, involving mainly axial and proximal muscles. The essential informations for aetiological characterization are: 1st) a family history, indicating a genetic origin, 2nd the chronological profile, 3rd) the clinical pattern (deficit topography, modification of muscle volume, fatigability, contractures, myotonia, oculobulbar, respiratory or cardiac involvement), 4th) investigations (CK level, EMG, muscle imaging muscle, biopsy, genetic testing). Two autosomal dominant myopathies begin in adulthood: Steinert's myotonic dystrophy characterized by myotonia facial and distal weakness and atrophy, plurisystemic involvement and facio-scapulo-peroneal dystrophy with asymmetric facial and scapulo-humeral weakness. If the evolution is rapid and family history absent, a curable myopathy (inflammatory, toxic, iatrogenic, and endocrine) is to be looked for. Inclusion body myositis is the most frequent myopathy after the age of 50 years.

Dermatomyositis with panniculitis.

Case 1. A 23-year-old white housewife presented with an erythematous violaceous rash on her face, neck, chest, and limbs, particularly over the dorsum of the hands and fingers; diffuse alopecia; and an inability to climb stairs and get up from a low seat. The clinical examination showed red to violaceous well-demarcated plaques on sun-exposed areas on the dorsum of the fingers and hands, with periungual erythema and telangiectasia; facial erythema; and heliotrope rash. There was also symmetric involvement of proximal muscles of the limbs. Laboratory examination showed hypergammaglobulinemia, elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase, and serum alanine aminotransferase; normal activities of creatinokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aldolase; an antinuclear antibody titer of 1:40 with a speckled pattern; negative anti-DNA and anti-Scl70; and normal serum complement levels (C3, C4, and CH50). Urinalysis results were within normal limits. Skin biopsy histopathology showed hyperkeratosis, edema of the upper epidermis, scattered inflammatory infiltrate, and focal accumulation of mucin in the form of acid mucopolysaccharides. Deep asymptomatic nodules on the inner upper limbs appeared later. Histopathology of these lesions showed focal areas of lobular panniculitis in the subcutaneous tissue, with lymphoplasmocytic inflammatory infiltrate without vasculitis (Figure 1 and Figure 2). Case 2. A 29-year-old white housewife presented with an erythematous violaceous rash on her face, neck, chest, and lower extremities. Clinical examination showed red to violaceous well-demarcated aching plaques on the internal surface of the thighs and tips of the fingers; periungual erythema and digital petechiae; Raynaud's phenomenon; and bilateral ulnar and cervical enlarged lymph nodes. Laboratory examination showed elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and aldolase; negative venereal disease research test results; an antinuclear antibody titer of 1:1024 with speckled pattern; negative anti-DNA and anti-Scl70; and normal serum complement levels (C3, C4, and CH50). Urinalysis results were within normal limits. Histopathology of the deep asymptomatic nodule on the inner left thigh showed lobular panniculitis with a scattered inflammatory infiltrate and diffuse fat necrosis, in addition to calcium deposition between the lipocytes and microcysts without vasculitis (Figure 3).

[Congenital muscular dystrophy: clinical study of 17 patients].

We concur with the idea that congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) is a distinct clinical entity, and report 17 patients (2 negroes and 15 whites; 12 M and 5 F; median age 6 years, range 1 to 24 years) with genetic, clinical, laboratorial, electrophysiological and histochemical studies. All our cases have an inheritance compatible with an autosomal recessive pattern. A decrease in fetal movements was reported by 57% of the mothers, generalized hypotonia at birth was present in 82%, limb girdle and neck weakness, absent or decreased deep tendon reflexes, and limb contractures were present in all. Severe muscular wasting was found in 41%. Calf pseudo-hypertrophy was observed in one patient. A patient was severely mentally retarded and another was borderline. During a 30-month follow-up, the muscle weakness of the majority remained essentially unchanged but the degree of motor activity deteriorated and was proportional to the worsening of the limb contractures. Serum CK levels were normal or increased to a maximum of 8 times. The electromyogram was myopathic in 74%, neurogenic in 13% and normal in 13%. CT scans showed a symmetrical white matter hypodensity in the hemispheres in 8 cases. All but 5 patients were operated upon to release the limb contractures and all were submitted to physical therapy. The contractures recurred in 4 patients submitted to surgery and were probably related to the cessation of physical therapy.

Metabolic myopathy

Diagnosis The symptoms of a metabolic myopathy can be easily confused with the symptoms of another disease. In most cases, a Muscle biopsy is necessary for an accurate diagnosis of the cause of muscle weakness. A blood test can be done under normal circumstances to test for genetic differences and signs of tissue breakdown, or with an added cardio portion that can indicate if muscle breakdown is occurring. An electromyography is sometimes taken in order to rule out other disorders if the cause of fatigue is unknown. Differentiating between different types of metabolic myopathies can be difficult due to the similar symptoms of each type such as Myoglobinuria and exercise intolerance. It has to be determined whether the patient has fixed or exercise induced manifestations, and if exercise related what kind of exercise, before extensive exercise related lab testing is done to determine the underlying cause.

[A case of chronic multifocal myositis].

A 61-year-old civil engineer began to have slowly progressive muscle atrophy in the right shoulder and the left arm at 56 years of age. Muscle wasting became manifest in the left thigh at 59 years and in the right thigh at 60 years. He had mild difficulty in climbing and descending stairs. On examination, although he had notable muscle atrophy in the right trapezius and proximal muscles in the upper and lower extremities, his muscle strength was relatively well preserved. The muscle atrophy was asymmetrical; the right periscapular region and the left upper and lower extremities were more markedly atrophic. In addition, multiple foci of the striking muscle atrophy were noted in the upper trunk and the proximal limb muscles. Fasciculation was not present. Deep tendon reflexes were normal with no pathologic reflexes. Except for a moderately elevated serum creatine kinase level of 709 Ul/l (normal 40-170) and mildly elevated serum myoglobin level of 100 ng/ml (normal < 60), no laboratory tests showed abnormal values suggesting an inflammatory process. Motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities were within normal limits. Electromyography disclosed myopathic and neuropathic changes. Computed tomography (CT) of skeletal muscles showed asymmetrical muscle atrophy and patchy low-density foci. In biopsied left quadriceps and right gastrocnemius muscles which showed partially low density on CT, there was marked variation in muscle fiber size, with necrotic and regenerating fibers, an increased number of centrally placed nuclei, and interstitial fibrosis. There were numerous foci of mononuclear inflammatory cellular infiltration, especially around the blood vessels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Neurology_Adams

In addition to these main issues of distinguishing PM and DM from IBM, currently aided by antibody testing, we call attention to the following problems that we have encountered in connection with diagnosis: 1. The patient with proximal muscle weakness is incorrectly diagnosed as having progressive muscular dystrophy (actually, the opposite pertains more often). Points in favor of myositis are (1) lack of family history (although many dystrophies have recessive inheritance); (2) older age at onset; (3) rapid evolution of weakness; (4) evidence, past or present, of other connective tissue diseases; (5) high serum CK values (again, can be high in certain dystrophies); (6) marked degeneration and regeneration in muscle biopsy; and, finally, if there is still doubt, (7) unmistakable improvement with corticosteroid therapy.

Equine polysaccharide storage myopathy

A muscle biopsy may be taken from the semimembranosis or semitendinosis (hamstring) muscles. The biopsy is stained for glycogen, and the intensity of stain uptake in the muscle, as well as the presence of any inclusions, helps to determine the diagnosis of PSSM. This test is the only method for diagnosing Type 2 PSSM. Horses with Type 1 PSSM will usually have between 1.5-2 times the normal levels of glycogen in their skeletal muscle. While abnormalities indicating muscle damage can be seen on histologic sections of muscle as young as 1 month of age, abnormal polysaccharide accumulation may take up to 3 years to develop. Management

[A case of fasciitis associated with Basedow's disease and polymyositis].

A 39-year-old female suffered from diffuse goiter, palpitation, finger tremor and body weight loss for about one year. Then she developed acute onset of myalgia and swelling of calves, and muscle weakness of proximal limbs. She could not walk because of myalgia and muscle weakness, and was admitted to our hospital 4 days after the onset of muscle symptoms. On admission, her pulse was 110 per minute and she had finger tremor of 11-12 Hz. The thyroid gland was markedly and diffusely enlarged with an elastic soft surface. She presented muscle weakness of proximal limbs and neck, and had intermittent swelling and myalgia on calves. Deep tendon reflexes were increased in all extremities. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 22 mm per hour. Eosinophilia was not recognized. Serum CK level was elevated to 671 IU/l. Serum free T3 was higher than 21.7 pg/ml and free T4 was also elevated to 10.19 ng /dl. Serum TSH was lower than 0.05 microU/ml and thyroid stimulating antibody was 1,302.0%. Muscle biopsy of her left gastrocnemius muscle revealed markedly hypertrophic fascia with inflammatory cellular infiltration on HE staining. Inflammatory change was also recognized in muscle tissue and in perivascular region of perimysium. Variation of fiber size, necrotic fibers, and central nuclei were also seen. From these clinical and laboratory findings she was diagnosed as having Basedow's disease associated with fasciitis and polymyositis. Her thyroid function was improved by anti-thyroid drug, and swelling and myalgia of sural regions and weakness of proximal limbs were also improved by steroid therapy. Only one case of Basedow's disease associated with fasciitis and seven cases of that associated polymyositis have so far been reported. This is the first case report of fasciitis associated with Basedow's disease and polymyositis.

[A case of senile onset rimmed vacuole myopathy with proximally dominant involvement].

A 73-year-old woman with progressive proximal-dominant muscular atrophy and weakness was described. She had been well until 70-year-old, when she found difficulty in standing up from sitting position. At age 72 years, she could not raise her arms. Neurological examination showed muscular wasting and weakness in the proximal parts of extremities, shoulder and pelvic girdle. In the thigh, the flexors and adductors were severely affected. Muscular weakness was also observed in m. tibialis anterior. Serum CK and aldolase were normal. Electromyography showed low voltage short duration motor unit potentials with positive sharp waves and fibrillations. Rimmed vacuoles were observed in 4.8% of muscle fibers in biopsy sample obtained from right m. quadriceps femoris. No inflammatory cells, PAS-positive materials and inclusion bodies were observed in the sample. This case differs from distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles, because the onset was very late and her muscular weakness and atrophy was proximal dominant. This case also differs from inclusion body myositis, because muscle biopsy revealed no inflammatory cells or inclusion body.

Schwartz–Jampel syndrome

Diagnosis Schwartz–Jampel syndrome is diagnosed on the basis of characteristic facial features, skeletal features and myotonia. Blood tests may show elevated serum creatine kinase or aldolase. X-rays, muscle biopsy or electromyography (EMG) may be useful. Genetic testing for the HSPG2 gene may confirm diagnosis. Treatment There is no cure for Schwartz–Jampel syndrome. Treatment is aimed at reducing muscle stiffness and cramping and may include massage, muscle warming and gradual strengthening exercises. Muscle relaxants or anti-seizure medications, especially carbamazepine, may be used. Eye symptoms such as blepharospasm might be relieved by Botox. Otherwise, a variety of surgical procedures have been found to be effective. Malignant hyperthermia, a potential complication of surgery, is a greater risk for people Schwartz–Jampel syndrome and an important consideration when considering surgery. Prognosis Most people with Schwartz–Jampel syndrome have a nearly normal life expectancy.

[Apropos of a case of myopathy with histologic and electrophysiologic findings of both a myogenic and neurogenic nature].

The authors describe the case of a 36 years old woman suffering from muscular weakness with proximo-distal distribution to legs, and proximal to arms. The disease, appeared during the third decade of life, is slowly becoming more serious. Hematochemical analyses are all within a normal standard; EMG and histopathologic findings prove the existence of both a protopathic and neurogenic trouble in studied muscles. A therapy based on prednisone (50 mg/die) and ACTH (1 mg each 5 days) for a fourty days period doesn't cause essential changes in symptomatology. A cousin (on her mother's side) of our patient suffers from probable "sporadic distal myopathy". The authors discuss if the disease, shown by this patient, may be considered as an atypical form of SDM or if, what appears more probable, it must be nosographically framed as "scapuloperoneal atrophy".

Brody myopathy

Blood testing may be used to measure serum creatine kinase, which ranges from normal to slightly elevated in those with BD. Skeletal muscle biopsies are used to examine muscle fibers. Biopsies in individuals with BD often show variation in muscle fiber size, atrophied fast-twitch muscle fibers, and increased nuclei number. Electromyography (EMG) can be used in diagnosis to rule out myotonia, or muscle stiffness that is detected by EMG. Individuals with BD have stiff muscles but normal EMG results (pseudo-myotonia), where no myotonic discharges are detected. Genetic testing may also be used in the diagnosis of BD to look for mutations in ATP2A1. Since only some forms of the disease are associated with ATP2A1, results of genetic testing do not always confirm a diagnosis of BD, but are useful to rule out other similar disorders. Treatment

[Diagnostic muscle MRI abnormality in a patient with inclusion body myositis].

A 64-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of muscle weakness and atrophy in the extremities. Four years before admission, he was noticed to have elevated creatine kinase (CK) level, but had no further evaluation. Two years later, she became difficult in standing up and needed a wheelchair. Six months before admission, she noticed muscle wasting in the buttock, thigh, bilateral forearms, and weakness in the upper limbs. On neurologic examination, she had weakness in sternocleidomastoid and all limb muscles, predominantly in the distal portion of the upper extremities. Laboratory study revealed elevated CK, LDH, and aldolase levels, and myogenic change with fibrillation on needle EMG. Muscle biopsy showed myopathic changes with infiltration of mononuclear cells and rimmed vacuoles. The clinical manifestations as well as poor response to corticosteroids therapy were supportive of the diagnosis of inclusion body myositis. However, the distribution of muscle weakness in her wrist, weaker in the extensors than in the flexors, was not characteristic to IBM. This problem was solved by the right forearm MRI which showed a high signal intensity area in flexor muscles, but not in extensors on T1 and T2 weighted images. Accordingly, the muscle MRI of forearm was a diagnostic aid of IBM in this patient.

MELAS syndrome

Diagnosis MRI: Multifocal infarct-like cortical areas in different stages of ischemic evolution, areas that do not conform to any known vascular territory. Initial lesions often occur in the occipital or parietal lobes with eventual involvement of the cerebellum, cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus. Lactate levels are often elevated in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. MR spectroscopy may show an elevated lactate peak in affected and even unaffected brain areas. Muscle biopsy shows ragged red fibers. However, genetic evaluation should be done first, which eliminates the need for muscle biopsy in most cases. Diagnosis may be molecular or clinical: Stroke-like episodes before 40 years old Encephalopathy with seizures or dementia Blood lactic acidosis* or ragged red fibers on muscle biopsy

[Hypothyroid myopathy. Clinico-pathologic study of 20 cases].

20 patients afflicted with primary hypothyroidism were studied in order to evaluate the association of clinical or sub-clinical myopathy, detected by neurophysiological (electromyography) (EMG) or neuropathological methods (muscular biopsy with enzymatic study). 70% of the patients had muscular weakness (moderate in 30% and severe in 40%) of the scapular and pelvic muscles. 60% of the patients had muscular cramps. There was no myodema nor muscular atrophy or hypertrophy. Seric CPK was high in 70% of the cases. EMG was myopathic in 65%. All cases with weakness registered EMG alterations. The histological findings were import findings were important. The enzymatic techniques showed alterations of the fiber subtypes in 90% of the cases. The type I fibers had sarcolemmal and mitochondrial accumules in 85% and 70% had areas without oxidative activity, similar to "core". In this study, we did not find any correlation between the evolution time of hypothyroidism, hormonal levels, CPK increase, and muscular weakness. The EMG was myopathic in cases with severe weakness, however, in patients with moderate weakness it could also prove abnormal. There was no correlation between the electric myopathic pattern, CPK levels and thyroid hormones.

Nemaline myopathy

There are several other identified kinds of mutations that lead to Nemaline Myopathies. One affects slow skeletal muscles, one leads to the formation of both nemaline bodies and other abnormal, core-like, structures forming in the patient's muscles. Diagnosis Electromyography or (EMG). This procedure determines if nerve or muscle cells are damaged. Since a common symptom of Nemaline Myopathy is muscle weakness this allows doctors to determine where and why the weakness is occurring. MRI of the Musculoskeletal System. MRI uses a magnetic field to take pictures of body structures and allows physicians to determine if a patient has a certain disease. Needle biopsy A needle biopsy allows a physician to test specific cells in the body. These cells are sent to a laboratory to undergo testing and can further determine why muscle weakness throughout the body could be occurring. This testing can confirm that muscle cells contain rod like structures.

Congenital muscular dystrophy: a clinico-pathological and follow-up study of 15 patients.

Fifteen patients with a presumptive diagnosis of congenital muscular dystrophy were followed for up to 15 years. The diagnosis was based on clinical, enzyme, histological and neurophysiological examinations. The group formed nine per cent of the 160 children suffering from neuromuscular disorders seen at the same hospital during a period of ten years. The muscle weakness was generalized and also involved respiratory muscles and the face. 60 per cent of the children had congenital contractures; these were well amenable to treatment. However, there was a strong tendency for new contractures to form from the second to third year onwards. There were also other signs indicating that the disease process was changing with time. The deep tendon reflexes were present in the beginning but later were usually lost. The serum creatine kinase was raised even to high levels in the first one to two years and gradually sank to normal or near normal values. The histopathological findings changed with time from relatively slight changes compatible with a muscle destroying process to inactive type lesions characterized by fibrotic and particularly adipose tissue replacing muscle fibres. On the basis of these findings it can be assumed that the active disease process is at its height during intrauterine and early postnatal life and then wanes leaving an outburnt or cicatrical state in which new contractures easily develop causing possible deterioration with time. Active treatment is thus of great importance both to overcome neonatal contractures and to prevent new ones to develop.

Acquired non-inflammatory myopathy

If needed, more advanced equipment can be used to help determine whether a patient is suffering from ANIM. This includes: Measurement of serum levels of muscle enzymes Electromyography (EMG) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Muscle biopsy When examining the serum levels of muscle enzymes, the relative levels of creatine kinase, aldolase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase are closely examined. Abnormal levels of these proteins are indicative of both inflammatory myopathy and ANIM.

[Inflammatory myopathy with an unusual evolution].

Inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by proximal muscle weakness, nonsuppurative inflammation of skeletal muscle, with elevated muscle enzyme levels and characteristic electromyography and muscle biopsy findings. The authors describe a clinical case of a young woman, admitted with a four day history of bilateral thigh myalgia. She was afebrile and without skin, mucosal or joint involvement. Thigh muscle palpation was painful. Complete blood count revealed leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. High levels of creatine kinase, serum aminotransferases and myoglobin were detected. Metabolic, toxic and drug-related causes were excluded as well as infectious diseases, malignant tumours and endocrine myopathies. Auto-antibodies for connective diseases were negative. Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography of lower limbs were suggestive of inflammatory myopathy. Generalized muscle weakness and dysphagia were reported subsequently. Clinical and laboratorial improvement was seen after corticotherapy. Muscle biopsy revealed myopathy signs without inflammatory changes or vasculitis. After prednisolone reduction, presently without treatment, she remains asymptomatic with normal laboratorial findings. The authors emphasize in this case of inflammatory myopathy the unusual clinical and laboratory evolution and the importance of a cautious differential diagnosis.

[Smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential].

To investigate microsatellite instability in smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential and to compare the results with clinical and morphological data. Histological and immunohistochemical studies were conducted in 26 patients aged 30-63 years (mean age, 37 years) with leiomyomatosis; which revealed intravenous leiomyomatosis in 20 cases, metastasizing leiomyoma in 2, disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis in 3, and smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential in 1 case. Microsatellite instability was studied by fragment analysis on a genetic analyzer using a test system of six markers: D10S1146, D10S218, D10S24, D10S1213, D3S1295, and D9S942. Microsatellite repeat changes characteristic of leiomyosarcomas (heterozygosity loss and/or microsatellite instability in at least one locus studied) were found in 6 patients; all were clinically and morphologically diagnosed as having intravenous leiomyomatosis. In 3 of these 6 cases, leiomyomatosis was accompanied by metastases to the lungs and spread to the peritoneum; heart damage was noted in 2 cases. The data analysis did not allow identification of any significant clinical and morphological criteria for this group. Leiomyomatosis is not a transitional form from benign leiomyoma to leiomyosarcoma, as evidenced by the difference in the status of molecular markers. Analysis of molecular genetic changes in DNA from tumor tissue samples cannot categorically clarify the nature of the disease by identifying the signs of genetic instability; however, there is a need for further accumulation of experience in studying tumors of this group and in identifying the possible association with disease prognosis.

Muscle biopsy

In medicine, a muscle biopsy is a procedure in which a piece of muscle tissue is removed from an organism and examined microscopically. A muscle biopsy can lead to the discovery of problems with the nervous system, connective tissue, vascular system, or musculoskeletal system. Indications In humans with weakness and low muscle tone, a muscle biopsy can help distinguish between myopathies (where the pathology is in the muscle tissue itself) and neuropathies (where the pathology is at the nerves innervating those muscles). Muscle biopsies can also help to distinguish among various types of myopathies, by microscopic analysis for differing characteristics when exposed to a variety of chemical reactions and stains.