Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 1, 2025
08:32
Adapting Human Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study Methods to Detect and Characterize Dysphagia in Murine Disease Models
Published on: March 1, 2015
21.5K
Polymyositis Presenting With Nontraumatic Rhabdomyolysis and Dysphagia: A Case Report
Jonathan Aldrete1, Christopher J Peterson1, James A Tarbox1
1Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA.
Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports
|March 10, 2022
Summary
Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) involve muscle inflammation and weakness, often with extra-muscular symptoms. Diagnosis relies on clinical and lab data, especially for polymyositis, even with inconclusive tests.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology and Neurology
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Myology
Background:
- Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are rare, heterogeneous autoimmune disorders.
- Characterized by muscle inflammation, weakness, and potential extra-muscular manifestations (skin, lungs, joints).
- Diagnosis involves characteristic laboratory abnormalities (e.g., elevated creatinine kinase, liver enzymes) and imaging (EMG, MRI).
Observation:
- Five distinct IIM entities are recognized, each with unique pathophysiology and autoimmune markers.
- Autoimmune panels and muscle biopsies aid differentiation but have variable sensitivity and specificity.
- Polymyositis is particularly elusive, often diagnosed through a combination of clinical and laboratory findings.
Findings:
- Despite advancements, distinguishing IIM entities can be challenging.
- Negative autoimmune panels and muscle biopsies do not exclude polymyositis.
- A comprehensive assessment of clinical presentation and laboratory data is crucial.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of integrating diverse diagnostic data for IIMs.
- Emphasizes the need for clinical vigilance in diagnosing elusive conditions like polymyositis.
- Suggests that treatment initiation for suspected polymyositis should proceed even with ambiguous test results.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
42
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
42
01:15Myasthenia Gravis: Diagnostic Tests
1.4K
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...
1.4K
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
2.0K
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...
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...
2.0K
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
36
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...
36
01:21Overview of Protein Metabolism
2.1K
Proteins are broken down into amino acids during digestion. Unlike fats and carbohydrates, which are stored for later use, proteins are not. Instead, amino acids are either used to produce ATP through oxidation or contribute to the creation of new proteins for the growth and repair of the body. Any surplus amino acids from the diet are converted into glucose or triglycerides rather than excreted.
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...
2.1K
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
33
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document...
33