Related Experiment Videos
Sarcoid myositis with muscle weakness as a presenting symptom
Hideyasu Yamada1, Wataru Ishii, Satoshi Ito
1Clinical Immunology, Advanced Biomedical Applications, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan.
Modern Rheumatology
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Sarcoid myositis, a rare cause of muscle weakness, was diagnosed in a patient presenting with polymyositis-like symptoms. Early recognition of sarcoidosis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Polymyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by symmetrical muscle weakness.
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease that can affect various organs, including muscles.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old woman presented with muscle weakness and weight loss, initially suspected as polymyositis.
- Muscle biopsy revealed characteristic Langhans-type giant cells and noncaseating granulomas, indicative of sarcoidosis.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with sarcoid myositis based on clinical presentation and biopsy results.
- Treatment with prednisolone led to gradual improvement of her symptoms.
Implications:
- Muscle weakness can be an infrequent initial presentation of sarcoidosis.
- Sarcoid myositis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of polymyositis, especially when typical features are absent.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
The clinical conditions affecting the skeletal muscle tissue are broadly categorized as musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
01:22Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
The disease process of myasthenia gravis begins at the neuromuscular junction, where antibodies attack key proteins needed for muscle activation. This immune reaction weakens signal transmission, leading to the characteristic muscle fatigue and weakness that define the condition.Immune-Mediated DamageIn most individuals, antibodies target acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) on the postsynaptic membrane of muscle cells. By blocking acetylcholine binding, these antibodies prevent the nerve signal...
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune condition affecting neuromuscular transmission, causing generalized weakness in skeletal muscles. Initial diagnoses rely on patients' signs, symptoms, and medical history. The challenge lies in distinguishing myasthenia from other muscular dystrophies. An important diagnostic feature is the significant improvement of symptoms after administering anticholinesterase inhibitors.
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
The edrophonium test is a diagnostic tool for myasthenia gravis. It involves...
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
01:26Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.