title: Cardiac complications of polymyositis.
abstract: We report 3 cases of polymyositis, confirmed by enzyme assay and muscle biopsy, complicated by serious cardiac disease. They showed progressive fascicular block, despite immunosuppressive therapy sufficient to control the skeletal muscle disease, culminating in complete heart block with syncope, requiring the implantation of a pacemaker. In addition, all 3 showed echocardiographic evidence of dilated cardiomyopathy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009220:Myositis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents