Polymyositis and dermatomyositis

Question 1

Features

Answer 1

Arthralgia and arthritis occur in ~50% of pts

• may be the presenting feature before the major feature

Major features of;

• muscle weakness
• wasting of the proximal muscles of the shoulder and pelvic girdles appear

Small joints of the hand are usually affected and it may resemble rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 2

Dx Triad

Answer 2

Polymyositis + associated rash = dermatomyositis.