Two cases of polymyositis presenting with respiratory failure.
- Author:
Ho Jin KIM
1
;
Seong Hye CHOI
;
Ji Eun OH
;
Kwang Woo LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, Seoul Natinoal University.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- MeSH:
Adult;
Biopsy;
Diagnosis;
Dyspnea;
Electromyography;
Extremities;
Humans;
Polymyositis*;
Respiratory Insufficiency*;
Respiratory Muscles;
Ventilation
- From:Journal of the Korean Neurological Association
1997;15(4):926-930
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
It is said that respiratory failure as an initial manifestation is extremely rare in adult polymyositis. Respiratory failure has been reported in the terminal stage of polymyositis and usually unresponsive to steroid therapy. We experienced two cases of polymyositis presenting with respiratory failure at onset due to respiratory muscle weakness. On admission they had only short history of increasing dyspnea and mild limb weakness before respiratory failure. Diagnosis of polymyositis was established by muscle enzyme, electromyography and muscle biopsy. Oral steroid therapy was initiated with assisted ventilation which resulted in good recovery. Although respiratory failure due to preferential respiratory muscle involvement is very rare, polymyositis should be considered as one of underlying diseases causing severe respiratory failure.
