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[Two cases of polymyositis with cardiac involvement]
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine.
Journal of Cardiology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Cardiac involvement in polymyositis, a rare inflammatory muscle disease, can precede skeletal symptoms. Early diagnosis and steroid treatment improved outcomes, but vigilance for heart failure is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Polymyositis, an inflammatory myopathy, can affect cardiac function.
- Cardiac involvement may manifest before skeletal muscle symptoms.
Observation:
- Two male patients presented with cardiac dysfunction and elevated muscle enzymes, preceding muscle weakness.
- Diagnostic workup revealed myocarditis and left ventricular dysfunction, with no coronary artery disease.
- Skeletal muscle biopsy and electromyography confirmed polymyositis.
Findings:
- Both patients received steroids, leading to symptom improvement and reduced creatine kinase (CK) levels.
- One patient achieved good control, while the other experienced recurrent heart failure.
- Polymyositis exhibits a variable clinical presentation, including cardiac manifestations.
Implications:
- Cardiac involvement in polymyositis is potentially underestimated.
- Further research is needed to optimize detection, management, and prognosis of cardiac polymyositis.
- Understanding pathogenesis is key to preventing cardiac progression.