Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is the most common acquired muscle disease in adults over 50. It is a slowly progressive muscle disease characterized by both inflammatory and degenerative features. Unlike other inflammatory myopathies, IBM is relatively resistant to immunosuppressive therapy. It typically affects finger flexors and quadriceps muscles first.

6

Symptoms

3

Causes

5

Treatments

1

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM). This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

AutoimmuneRheumaticPrevalence Available

Need Help?

Our specialists can guide you through symptoms and treatment options.

Book Appointment

24/7 Emergency: +91 1800-MEDICARE

Symptoms

  • Slowly progressive weakness in finger flexors (difficulty gripping)
  • Weakness in the quadriceps (difficulty getting up from a chair or climbing stairs)
  • Foot drop
  • Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing, in up to 60%)
  • Frequent falls
  • Asymmetric muscle involvement

Causes

  • Combined inflammatory and degenerative process
  • Protein aggregates within muscle fibers (amyloid deposits)
  • Possible autoimmune component (anti-cN-1A antibodies)

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (CK elevated — often mildly)
  • EMG
  • MRI of muscles
  • Muscle biopsy (rimmed vacuoles, protein inclusions)
  • Anti-cN-1A antibody testing

Treatment

  • No effective disease-modifying treatment currently
  • Physical and occupational therapy (most important)
  • Dysphagia management
  • Assistive devices and fall prevention
  • Clinical trials ongoing

Risk Factors

  • Age over 50
  • Male sex (slightly)
  • HLA-DR3 association

Prevention

  • No known prevention

Prevalence

Estimated incidence 1–71 per million per year; increases significantly with age.