Inclusion body myositis a clinical review with illustrative case report

Abstract

Every acute physician has come across elderly patients presenting with muscle weakness and falls. Distinction between normal age related muscle wasting and pathological muscle atrophy can be difficult. It is important for acute physicians to be aware of the differential diagnosis of such a presentation. Inclusion body myositis(IBM) is the most common type of acquired myopathy above the age of 50. This article aims to highlight the diagnosis and management of this chronic illness. It is frequently misdiagnosed as polymyositis and wrongly treated with steroids. The typical symptoms and signs are illustrated by a recent case which presented to our department (see box 1). © 2008 Rila Publications Ltd.