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Polymyositis (PM) |
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Polymyositis
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U | Polymyositis is an uncommon disease that causes
inflammation in your muscles. Doctors also refer to
it as a type of connective tissue disease. Its most
noticeable characteristic is muscle weakness,
especially in the muscles closest to your trunk,
such as your shoulder and hip muscles. As a result,
you may find it difficult to get out of chairs,
climb stairs, brush your hair or work with your arms
over your head. The disease is rarely fatal, but it
can be disabling in its more severe forms.
Screening and diagnosis
Diagnosis of polymyositis isn't always easy and can be a lengthy
process. Even though the attempt to diagnose your condition may be
frustrating for you and your doctor, remember that the process of
diagnosis is necessary in order to receive appropriate treatment.
In addition to a thorough physical exam, including assessment of your
muscle strength, your doctor will likely use some or all of the
following information and tests to assist in the diagnosis:
Family medical
history.
A careful history of muscle disease in your family and your own age
at onset of the disease will help your doctor distinguish between
polymyositis and muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy is an
inherited condition whose signs and symptoms usually begin in early
childhood.
Electromyography.
A thin needle electrode is inserted through your skin into the
muscle to be tested. Electrical activity is measured as you relax
and as you gently tighten the muscle. Changes in the pattern of
electrical activity can confirm a muscle disease. The distribution
of the disease can be determined by testing different muscles.
Muscle biopsy.
A small piece of muscle tissue is removed surgically for laboratory
analysis. A muscle biopsy may reveal abnormalities in your muscles
such as inflammation, damage or infection. The sample also can be
examined for the presence of abnormal proteins and checked for
enzyme deficiencies.
Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI).
A scanner creates cross-sectional images of your muscles from data
generated by a powerful magnetic field and radio waves. These images
can be viewed from any direction or plane. During the test you lie
inside the cylindrical-shaped scanner for 15 minutes to an hour. MRI
scans may help detect inflammation in your muscles.
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