title: Focal myopathy induced by chronic heroin injection is reversible.
abstract: We report a patient who developed a focal myopathy with prominent contractures of his thigh muscles induced by chronic heroin injection. Muscle biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were indicative of a fibrotic and inflammatory process. Treatment with steroids, D-penicillamine, and physical therapy led to full functional recovery within 6 months. Sequential electromyographic (EMG) studies and muscle biopsies showed evidence of regenerating muscle fibers and absence of inflammatory cells. We conclude that heroin-induced focal myopathy is reversible and that combination therapy with D-penicillamine and steroids may be useful.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany. maus@interchange.ubc.ca
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: H C
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Diener
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Voit
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Neuen-Jacob
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004576:Electromyography; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000473:pathology; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000473:pathology; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D010396:Penicillamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013256:Steroids; D013848:Thigh / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013256:Steroids; D010396:Penicillamine