Isolated inflammatory myopathy with rimmed vacuoles presenting with dropped head

Neuromuscul Disord. 2009 Dec;19(12):853-5. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2009.08.006. Epub 2009 Sep 20.

Abstract

We describe an unusual case of inflammatory myopathy with rimmed vacuoles associated with dropped head syndrome. Muscle biopsy in our patient revealed variations in fiber size with fiber necrosis and regeneration, accompanied by many rimmed vacuoles and areas of endomysial cell infiltration. Electron microscopy demonstrated autophagic vacuoles and tubulofilamentous inclusions. This myopathy can cause dropped head syndrome in a subgroup of patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Head*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / ultrastructure
  • Myositis / complications*
  • Myositis / drug therapy
  • Myositis / pathology*
  • Necrosis / pathology
  • Posture*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Regeneration
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vacuoles / pathology*
  • Vacuoles / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Prednisone