Polymyositis

Case contributed by Daniela Seixas

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Male
mri

MRI (sagittal STIR) of the cervical spine demonstrates diffuse hyperintensity of the paravertebral muscles.

Note: This case has been tagged as "legacy" as it no longer meets image preparation and/or other case publication guidelines.

Case Discussion

Polymyositis is a rare autoimmune and sometimes paraneoplastic inflammatory myositis. 

The term “polymyositis” is applied when the condition spares the skin, and “dermatomyositis,” when polymyositis is associated with a characteristic skin rash. 

Polymyositis typically has a symmetric distribution, initially involving the proximal lower limb girdle and progressing to involve the proximal upper limb girdle, neck flexors, and pharyngeal muscles1.

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