Sporadic inclusion body myositis

Abstract

Despite being the most common primary myopathy in men over 50 years of age, sporadic inclusion body myositis (ICM) is a rare disease. On many occasions its diagnosis is delayed, which is why the importance of an adequate clinical assessment and timely indication of complementary studies is reinforced. This article reports a case that has the peculiarity of affecting a mestizo patient, with no established involvement in the deep flexors of his hands and with elements of severity, determined by the presence of high functional dysphagia and dyspnea in the supine position. There have not been publication reports on this disease in Cuba. Clinically, the condition is characterized by combined distal and proximal muscle weakness, electromyography (EMG) with mixed neuropathic and myopathic impairment, and poor response to immunosuppressive therapy. Muscle biopsy helps establish the definitive diagnosis by demonstrating the presence of distinctive inclusions in the muscle fibers. The prognosis is bleak, showing progressive behavior affecting quality of life and leading to advanced physical disability. Keywords: inclusion body myositis; myositis; rare diseases; electromyography; swallowing disorder.