An overview of polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Issue 5 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Findlay, Andrew R.; Goyal, Namita A.; Mozaffar, Tahseen
• Is Part Of: Muscle & nerve. Volume 51:Issue 5(2015:May)
• Page Start: 638
• Page End: 656
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: dermatomyositis -- inclusion‐body myositis -- inflammatory myopathy -- polymyositis -- myositis‐specific autoantibodies; Neuromuscular diseases -- Periodicals; Muscles -- Periodicals; Nerves -- Periodicals; 616.74
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.24566
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-639X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are inflammatory myopathies that differ in their clinical features, histopathology, response to treatment, and prognosis. Although their clinical pictures differ, they both present with symmetrical, proximal muscle weakness. Treatment relies mainly upon empirical use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents. A deeper understanding of the molecular pathways that drive pathogenesis, careful phenotyping, and accurate disease classification will aid clinical research and development of more efficacious treatments. In this review we address the current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic evaluation, classification, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis of polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Muscle Nerve 51 :638–656, 2015