[Acute circulatory disorders in the lower extremities in polymyositis]

A 32-year-old women with a definite diagnosis of polymyositis is described. The disease began acutely with two episodes of acute ischaemia of one lower extremity without evidence of organic occlusion of the arteries. Further on, signs predominated suggestive of deep thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities. The diagnosis was based on electromyography, histological examination of muscle biopsy material and rapid improvement after treatment with corticosteroids.