Two cases of polymyositis  presenting with respiratory failure

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 15(4); 1997 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 1997;15(4): 926-930.

급성 호흡 부전으로 발현한 다발성 근염 2례

김호진, 최성혜, 오지은, 이광우

서울대학교 의대 신경과. 내과

Two cases of polymyositis presenting with respiratory failure

Ho Jin Kim, M.D., Seong Hye Choi, M.D., Ji Eun Oh, M.D., Kwang Woo Lee, M.D.

Department of Neurology & Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul Natinoal University

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.