Inclusion body myositis long after dermatomyositis: A report of two cases

A.L. McCoy, M.R. Bubb, P.H. Plotz, J.C. Davis

Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

ABSTRACT
Dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and inclusion body myositis are rare illnesses which appear to be distinct in clinical and pathologic features, pathogenesis, natural history, and response to therapy. We report two patients who first developed dermatomyositis, and then, after a disease-free interval of many years, developed inclusion body myositis. This may have useful therapeutic implications for patients with dermatomyositis whose illness bocomes refractory to treatment.

Key words
Dermatomyositis, polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, inflammatory myopathy, autoimmunity.

Please address correspondence and reprint requests to: Paul Plotz, M.D., Clinical Center 9N244, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1820, USA.

Clin Exp Rheumatol 1999; 17: 235-9.
© Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 1999.