What are the first symptoms of polymyositis?

The common symptoms of polymyositis include:

• Muscle pain and stiffness.
• Muscle weakness, particularly in the belly (abdomen), shoulders, upper arms, and hips.
• Joint pain and stiffness.
• Trouble catching your breath.
• Problems with swallowing.
• Irregular heart rhythms, if the heart muscle becomes inflamed.

What is polymyositis myositis?

Polymyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease that causes muscle weakness. Myositis means inflammation of muscle. Usually, polymyositis affects the muscles that are closest to the trunk of the body.

What are the four characteristic criteria for the diagnosis of polymyositis?

It is based on the presence of the following four criteria: proximal muscle weakness, elevated muscle enzymes (creatine kinase, aldolasa), myopathic findings on electromyography (EMG), and muscle biopsy showing scattered and regenerating fibers and a perivascular and endomysial inflammatory infiltrat (lymphocytes T CD8 …

When should you suspect polymyositis?

When to suspect the diagnosis — The diagnosis of dermatomyositis (DM) or polymyositis (PM) should be suspected in patients who present with proximal muscle weakness.

How do you rule out polymyositis?

If your doctor suspects you have polymyositis, he or she might suggest some of the following tests:

1. Blood tests. A blood test will let your doctor know if you have elevated levels of muscle enzymes, which can indicate muscle damage.
2. Electromyography.
3. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
4. Muscle biopsy.

What kind of muscle pain does polymyositis cause?

Polymyositis is one of a group of rare muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Muscle weakness can develop over a period of days, weeks, or months. This weakness often leads to difficulty climbing stairs,…

Is there a cure or treatment for polymyositis?

While there is no cure for polymyositis, treatment — ranging from medications to physical therapy — can improve your muscle strength and function. Symptoms. The muscle weakness associated with polymyositis involves the muscles closest to the trunk, such as those in your hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms and neck.

What are the diagnostic criteria for polymyositis PM?

Diagnostic criteria for Polymyositis. PM. A diagnosis of polymyositis should be considered for patients presenting with no skin symptoms and four of the following criteria: Symmetrical muscle weakness in the shoulders/upper arms or hips/upper legs and trunk.

How long does it take for polymyositis to develop?

Polymyositis is one of a group of rare muscle diseases called inflammatory myopathies, which are characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Muscle weakness can develop over a period of days, weeks, or months.