[A case of toxoplasmosis with dermatomyositis].

Abstract

We report a case of dermatomyositis (DM) in a 15-year-old female with toxoplasmosis after ingestion of raw bovine liver. Facial erythema and cervical lymphadenopathy preceded myalgia and muscle weakness of the extremities. The diagnostic criteria of DM was fulfilled because of symmetrical and proximal dominant muscle weakness, elevation of myogenic enzyme (CPK, GOT, LDH, myoglobin, aldorase), myogenic pattern of electromyogram, skeletal muscle biopsy showing interstitial myositis with mild destruction of muscle fiber, and facial erythema. Immunological findings showed IgG anti-toxoplasma antibody to be 1340 IU/ml and IgM to be 7.0 (Cut off index 0.7), suggesting acute toxoplasmosis. Treatment with prednisolone for DM and acetylspiramycin for toxoplasmosis was successful. Toxoplasmosis should be considered as a possibility in patients with myositis.

• Authors: Y Kawakami, J Hayashi, T Fujisaki, Y Tani, S Kashiwagi, S Yamaga
• Journal: Kansenshogaku zasshi. The Journal of the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases (Kansenshogaku Zasshi) Vol. 69 Issue 11 Pg. 1312-5 (Nov 1995) ISSN: 0387-5911 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 8708414 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antibodies, Protozoan
• Immunoglobulin M
• acetylspiramycin
• Spiramycin
• Prednisolone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Protozoan (blood)
• Dermatomyositis (complications, drug therapy)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin M (blood)
• Prednisolone (therapeutic use)
• Spiramycin (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Toxoplasma (immunology)
• Toxoplasmosis (complications, drug therapy)