Polymyositis--an unusual manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease.
Polymyositis is a rare autoimmune manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and an increase in muscle-related enzymes that responds well to treatment with immunosuppressive agents such as steroids and cyclosporine. We describe a case in which polymyositis was the main manifestation of chronic GVHD that occurred 12 months after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). The polymyositis responded well to treatment with steroids and cyclosporine, with no relapse of symptoms on tapering of the medication.
George
B
B
Department of Haematology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India. biju@hemato.cmc.ernet.in
Danda
D
D
Chandy
M
M
Srivastava
A
A
Mathews
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015448:Leukemia, B-Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D017285:Polymyositis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012008:Recurrence; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013256:Steroids; D016572:Cyclosporine