title: Generalized periarticular myositis ossificans as a complication of pharmacologically induced paralysis.
abstract: To our knowledge, no previous direct associations have been made between generalized myositis ossificans and pharmacological therapy. We report a case of generalized periarticular myositis ossificans associated with the use of curare and diazepam. The previously reported associations of myositis ossificans with tetanus and burns may be misleading. It is possible that it is not the disease process itself (e.g., tetanus, severe burn) that precipitates heterotopic ossification, but the treatment of these ailments. These observations suggest the importance of early mobilization and restrained use of immobilizing drugs. Further investigation is warranted with regard to the predisposing factors of generalized myositis ossificans and to its prevention.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Ackman
authors.forename: D I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003472:Curare / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D003975:Diazepam / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009221:Myositis Ossificans / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D009125:Muscle Relaxants, Central; D003473:Neuromuscular Nondepolarizing Agents; D003472:Curare; D003975:Diazepam