Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

Detection of Anti-MDA5 Autoantibodies Using HeLa Cells and Immunocytochemistry with Light Microscopy
Published on: October 31, 2025
Rituximab and mycophenolate combination therapy in refractory dermatomyositis with multiple autoimmune disorders
Nicholas Parziale1, Susan C Kovacs, Christine B Thomas
1Department of Neurology, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA 01805, USA.
Abstract:
We report a case of dermatomyositis associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto thyroiditis, and diabetes mellitus responsive only to combination of rituximab with mycophenolate. A 42-year-old woman presented with proximal muscle weakness, myalgias, fever, night sweats, and shortness of breath. Creatinine kinase was 8155 IU/L, and muscle biopsy was diagnostic of dermatomyositis. She was started on glucocorticoids; her systemic symptoms improved, but her muscle weakness persisted. She was serially treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, azathioprine, and mycophenolate mofetil without improvement in her weakness. She responded dramatically to combination therapy with rituximab and mycophenolate, with improvement in strength and normalization of creatinine kinase. She has been well controlled on rituximab infusion every 6 months and maintenance mycophenolate mofetil.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
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...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
