Work

Increased fascial thickness of the deltoid muscle in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: An ultrasound study

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: We investigated the use of ultrasound to detect fascial thickening of the deltoid, vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF) muscles in dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). METHODS: Fascial thickness of 7 DM and 5 PM patients was compared with that of healthy controls (n = 54). RESULTS: The deltoid fascial thickness was 2-fold greater in the DM/PM group (1.15 mm vs. 0.54 mm; P < 0.001) compared with healthy controls. Eight patients had markedly thickened deltoid fascia (>5 SD). Only 1 patient with a mild clinical presentation had normal deltoid fascial thickness. Four patients also had fascial thickening of the VL and/or RF. CONCLUSIONS: Deltoid fascial thickness was increased significantly in DM and PM patients, whereas the quadriceps muscle only showed thickened fascia in severely affected patients. This study suggests that a concomitant fasciitis may be present more often than previously believed.

Source: Muscle & Nerve

DOI: 10.1002/mus.24595

Authors: Kavish J. Bhansing, Marieke H. Van Rosmalen, Baziel G. Van Engelen, Madelon C. Vonk, Piet L. Van Riel, Sigrid Pillen

Institutions: Radboud University Medical Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Inflammatory Myopathies and Dermatomyositis

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Dutch Arthritis Association