Inflammatory Myositis

Inflammatory myopathies are muscle diseases caused by inflammation. They are autoimmune diseases where the body’s immune system attacks its own muscles by mistake. The most common inflammatory myopathies are dermatomyositis and polymyositis; however, this is a rapidly evolving field and new inflammatory myopathies are being described. Inflammatory myopathies cause muscle weakness, usually in the neck, shoulders, and hips. Dermatomyositis causes skin rashes also. Muscle weakness is a common symptom. Some people can have breathing problems. People of all ages and races may get inflammatory myopathies, but they’re rare. Children usually get them between ages 5 and 10. Adults usually get these diseases between 40 and 50. Women get inflammatory myopathies twice as often as men.

The information in the diseases and conditions fact sheets is for general education only. Please consult your rheumatologist for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment of your unique medical condition. To learn more about inflammatory myopathies and up to date guidance, please visit American College of Rheumatology from the following link.