Polymyositis and dermatomyositis history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sadaf Sharfaei M.D.[2]

History and Symptoms

• Polymyositis and dermatomyositis is a multisystem disorder that involves many organs.
• The hallmark of polymyositis and dermatomyositis is symmetric muscle weakness.

History

Patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis may have a positive history of:

• Gradual worsening of proximal muscle weakness manifested as difficulty climbing stairs, getting up from a chair, carrying heavy groceries, or picking up their children
• Past medical history of other autoimmune diseases
• Family history of autoimmune diseases

Common Symptoms

Common symptoms of polymyositis and dermatomyositis include:

• Symmetric muscle weakness manifested as:
  • Difficulty raising their arms above the shoulders
  • Climbing steps
  • Rising from sitting
• Mild myalgias
• Feeling of contraction of the arms and legs
• Skin eruptions
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Joint swelling

Less Common Symptoms

Less common symptoms of polymyositis and dermatomyositis include:

• Weight loss
• Cough
• Difficulty swallowing
• Dyspnea
• Dysphagia
• Nasal regurgitation
• Aspiration
• Periorbital swelling
• Fingernails swelling
• Splitting of the skin of the fingers