Inflammatory Diseases of Muscle and Other Myopathies

Inflammatory myopathies are a heterogeneous group of systemic autoimmune diseases characterized by chronic muscle weakness and frequent involvement of other organs. Elevated levels of serum muscle enzymes and abnormal electromyograms often accompany myopathies. Histology shows varying degrees of inflammation and muscle fiber degeneration and regeneration. Many patients have autoantibodies that bind to molecules involved in protein synthesis, and these antibodies are often associated with distinct clinical phenotypes. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs are common therapies for most inflammatory muscle diseases.