Definition
Polymyositis is a presumably immunologically caused disease of the muscle cells of the human body, which can lead to moderate to severe symptoms. Until today, the exact mechanism of the disease is not known. Until now, a so-called autoimmunological cause of the disease has been assumed, in which an excessive reaction of the human immune system against the body’s own cells can lead to corresponding cell degeneration of the muscles.
In any case, it seems to be correct that the disease leads to an infiltration of white blood cells into the muscle cells. Previously, these have left the blood vessel and migrate into muscle cells. It is not known why this happens.
The discussion about the exact mechanism of its development is still going on today and science is currently assuming that there are various not yet fully explained reasons why this disease pattern occurs. Besides muscle cells, skin cells can also be affected. In this case one speaks of dermatomyositis.
According to current nomenclature, five different groups are divided. Idiopathic polymyositis is divided into group one. Idiopathic dermatomyositis belongs to group two.
Idiopathic in this context means that the cause is not known. Polymyositides, which are still accompanied by malignant neoplasms of the human body, are summarized in group three. These include so-called neoplastic syndromes (tumors of the breast and lungs) and leukemias. If children suffer from a Polymyositis and if this is associated with vascular inflammations, one speaks of one in group four classified Polymyositis. If it concerns mixed images, this polymyositis belongs to group five of the classification.
Symptoms
The symptoms of polymyositis are manifold and therefore not easy to diagnose. The leading symptom is muscle pain, which occurs without any apparent reason and is similar to muscle soreness. An accompanying muscle weakness can also result.
Also unspecific are general complaints such as fatigue and fever as well as inflammatory changes in the blood count. Complaints in the area of the joints can also occur and are often confused with arthroses or rheumatic diseases. Depending on which muscle groups are also affected, corresponding complaints can occur in this area.
If the larynx or the respiratory muscles are affected, swallowing or breathing disorders may occur; if the muscles of the extremities are more affected, movement impairments and reduced strength are often described. In some cases there is an involvement of the skin. One also speaks of dermatomyositis. In this case there are skin irritations, redness and dandruff of the skin. In the blood count, in addition to increased inflammation values, muscle enzymes can sometimes be seen, which are released into the blood due to the immunological process.