A condition in which a lot of muscles swell up at the same time, especially the ones in the trunk of the body, causing weakness. It is treated with steroid drugs or immunosuppressants, and also exercise.
Myositis is a rare disease that comes in multiple forms and is one group of the inflammatory muscle myopathies. As with other inflammatory myopathies, myositis is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which inflammatory cells surround, invade, and destroy muscle fibers, resulting in muscle weakness or rash. Unlike other forms of myositis, polymyositis does not start with a rash, and the muscle inflammation and weakness are more gradual. Polymyositis is more common after age 20, but it has been identified in children and infants. Women are twice as likely as men to be affected with polymyositis; this is particularly true for women between the ages of 40 and 60 years old. Polymyositis can be confused with mixed connective tissue disorder due to the inflammation (Myositis Association of America, 1999). There is no indication of incidence differences based on ethnic group membership for polymyositis. The cause or trigger of the inflammation is not known.
Autoimmune disease characterized by muscle inflammation and atrophy.
A rare neuromuscular disease of children and adults that produces inflammatory swelling, irritation, and weakness in the voluntary muscles, such as those of the arms and legs that normally govern movement. The cause is a disturbance in the body’s immune system. Symptoms of polymyositis include muscular weakness in the hips or shoulders and discomfort in the small joints, including possible pain, swelling, and localized redness and sensation of heat. When severe, the disease may make it difficult to climb stairs or perform daily tasks, and it may become necessary for a person to use a wheelchair and to require assistance with everyday activities. Polymyositis may be associated with certain malignant tumors.
A generalized disease of the muscles that may be acute or chronic. It particularly affects the muscles of the shoulder and hip girdles, which are weak and tender to the touch. Microscopic examination of the affected muscles shows diffuse inflammatory changes, and relief of the symptoms is obtained with corticosteroid drugs. The skin may be reddened and atrophic.
A connective-tissue disease affecting the muscles throughout the body. This rare disorder, which is associated with dermatomyositis, may be acute or chronic but it usually affects the muscles of the shoulders or hip areas. The muscles weaken and are tender to the touch. Diffuse inflammatory changes occur and symptomatic relief may be obtained with corticosteroids.
A relatively uncommon inflammatory disease of skeletal muscles, marked by symmetrical weakness of the proximal muscles of the limbs, elevated serum muscle enzymes, evidence of muscle necrosis on biopsy, and electromyographic abnormalities.