Premium
Focal myopathy induced by chronic heroin injection is reversible
Author(s) -
Weber Markus,
Diener HansChristoph,
Voit Thomas,
NeuenJacob Eva
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
muscle and nerve
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.025
H-Index - 145
eISSN - 1097-4598
pISSN - 0148-639X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(200002)23:2<274::aid-mus21>3.0.co;2-y
Subject(s) - myopathy , medicine , muscle contracture , inflammatory myopathy , muscle biopsy , magnetic resonance imaging , heroin , penicillamine , biopsy , pathology , surgery , radiology , drug , pharmacology
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. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 274–277, 2000