Acute gastrocnemius myositis. Another extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease.
OBJECTIVE
To present the first case in Australia of skeletal muscle inflammation as a manifestation of Crohn's disease.


METHODS
A 50-year-old man was admitted to hospital with a two-week history of bloody diarrhoea, weight loss of 3 kg, soreness of his calf and thigh muscles, and night sweats. A clinical diagnosis of acute Crohn's gastrocnemius myositis was made. Muscle biopsy was not performed.


RESULTS
He was prescribed hydrocortisone by the intravenous route, which was replaced by prednisone by mouth. The myositis resolved completely within 48 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
Corticosteroids are an effective treatment for this rare extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease. Invasive investigations can be reserved for those who fail to respond.
Drabble
E M
EM
Department of Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW.
Gani
J S
JS
D000284:Administration, Oral; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017285:Polymyositis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011241:Prednisone; D006854:Hydrocortisone