| Abstract | Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are autoimmune inflammatory myopathies characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation. Current recommended therapy includes corticosteroids as mainstay treatment in addition to immunosuppressant. We present herein a 25year-old female with dermatomyositis and cardiac involvement resistant to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha. She was treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab. The patient demonstrated a remarkable clinical and laboratory response. B-cell depletion therapy with rituximab may be a viable option in patients with dermatomyositis and heart disease. |
| Authors | Zahi Touma, Thurayya Arayssi, Lina Kibbi, Abdel Fattah Masri
(Affiliation: American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, PO Box 11-0236 Riad El-Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.)
|
| Journal | Joint, bone, spine : revue du rhumatisme
(Joint Bone Spine)
Vol. 75
Issue 3
Pg. 334-7
(May 2008)
ISSN: 1778-7254 France |
| PMID | 17988919
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
|
| Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Immunologic Factors
- rituximab
|
| Topics |
- Adult
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(therapeutic use)
- Dermatomyositis
(complications)
- Female
- Heart Diseases
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Humans
- Immunologic Factors
(therapeutic use)
|
