Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Polymyositis

Polymyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and inflammation, primarily affecting the muscles closest to the trunk of the body. It can affect your ability to swallow and breathe, and can be associated with other autoimmune conditions. It occurs mostly in adults and is more common in women.

7

Symptoms

2

Causes

4

Treatments

1

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Polymyositis. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Muscle weakness, especially in the hips, thighs, shoulders, upper arms, and neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Mild joint pain and swelling
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Raynaud's phenomenon

Causes

  • Autoimmune attack on muscle tissue
  • Possible viral triggers in genetically susceptible individuals

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (elevated CK, aldolase)
  • EMG
  • MRI of muscles
  • Muscle biopsy

Treatment

  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine)
  • IVIG
  • Biologics (rituximab)

Risk Factors

  • Female sex
  • Age 30–60
  • Other autoimmune conditions

Prevention

  • No known prevention

Prevalence

Rare; affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people.