Inflammatory myopathies: MR imaging and spectroscopy

Article Abstract:

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and spectroscopy are techniques that can be used to visualize and evaluate tissue functioning and characteristics. MR techniques used for diagnostic purposes have been studied for a variety of tissues and diseases. The November 1990 issue of Radiology presented a study by Park et al. examining the use of MR in evaluating dermatomyositis, a condition characterized by muscle inflammation, weakness, and skin rash. It was reported that muscle inflammation could be detected by MR imaging. However, confirmation of inflammation by muscle biopsy was not performed, and was only based on visual inspection of the images. Although evidence exists that MR images can detect muscle inflammation, confirmation must first be made with histologic tests before conclusions can be drawn. The study also ranked subjects for severity of disease by their reported feelings of muscular weakness. Muscular weakness can be caused by a number of factors that do not necessarily indicate severe disease. The study also used assumed values in analyzing much of their data, where actual experimental data would be more accurate. Despite these problems, this and other studies indicate that MR may be very useful in evaluating inflammatory muscular diseases. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Diagnosis, Magnetic resonance imaging, Myositis, Dermatomyositis, editorial

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The Stiff-Person Syndrome: An Autoimmune Disorder Affecting Neurotransmission of [Gamma]-Aminobutyric Acid

Article Abstract:

The stiff-person syndrome is difficult to diagnose but potentially treatable and should be considered in patients with unexplained stiffness and spasms. It is characterized by muscle rigidity and episodic spasms. Except for global muscle stiffness, results of neurologic examination are usually normal. Results of conventional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain are also normal. Drugs that enhance GASA neurotransmission, such as diazepam, vigabatrin, and baclofen, provide mild to modest relief of clinical symptoms. Immunomodulatory agents, such as steroids, plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin, seem to offer substantial improvement, and ongoing clinical trials will determine if that is so.

Stiff-person syndrome

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Intravenous immune globulin therapy for neurologic diseases

Article Abstract:

Studies have shown intravenous immune globulin (IVIg) treatment to have varying degrees of success in treating patients with nervous system diseases. Patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, certain autoimmune diseases, dermatomyositis, myasthenia gravis, and multifocal motor neuropathy have shown moderate to significant improvement with IVIg therapy. Patients with certain other neurological diseases have not shown consistent improvement. Many patients reported headaches with IVIg treatment. More serious side effects were seen infrequently.

Health aspects, Immunoglobulins, Nervous system diseases

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