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Lab studies and serologies in myositis
- ESR/CRP not typically elevated in myositis, especially compared to other autoimmune disorders
- Aldolase is used as a marker in myositis, especially if CPK is not significantly elevated, and followed during the disease course
- Anti-Jo-1, one of the myositis specific autoantibodies, is relatively specific for polymyositis or dermatomyositis
- Myositis panel is sent to find other specific autoantibodies
Posted 11/09/16 02:08:42 PM by Anna Krigel
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Major cause of death in myositis = ILD and right heart failure
Causes of SOB in myositis
- chest wall weakness - can observe on PFTs
- dysphagia and aspiration pneumonitis
- ILD
Posted 11/09/16 05:18:45 PM by Anna Krigel
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Appearance on tissue biopsy
- Polymyositis = perivesicular inflammation (inflammation of muscle bundles)
- Dermatomyositis = perivascular inflammation (inflammation of muscle vasculature)
Posted 11/09/16 05:20:21 PM by Anna Krigel
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Management of dermatomyositis
- recommend age-appropriate cancer screening, often do pan-CT scanning if patient is a smoker
- start high dose steroids for about 1 month, then taper slowly once CPK and aldolase normalize
- can maintain on mTX
Posted 11/09/16 05:21:35 PM by Anna Krigel
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For further reading...
Posted 11/09/16 05:23:18 PM by Anna Krigel
Created by Christopher Kelly
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