FreeMD® Polymyositis Underlying Cause

Polymyositis

Underlying Cause

Polymyositis Underlying Cause

Polymyositis may result from an abnormal immune system, which normally fights infection. The immune system mistakenly attacks normal muscle tissue, causing inflammation and breakdown of the muscle cells. The cause of the abnormal immune system in polymyositis is unknown.

Continue to Polymyositis Anatomy

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2009 References

Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD

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Polymyositis References:

Choy EH, Isenberg DA. Treatment of dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2002 Jan;41(1):7-13.
Dalakas MC, Hohlfeld R. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Lancet. 2003 Sep 20;362(9388):971-82.
van der Meulen MF, Bronner IM, Hoogendijk JE, Burger H, van Venrooij WJ, Voskuyl AE, Dinant HJ, Linssen WH, Wokke JH, de Visser M. Polymyositis: an overdiagnosed entity. Neurology. 2003 Aug 12;61(3):316-21.