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Increased fascial thickness of the deltoid muscle in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: An ultrasound study
Author(s) -
Bhansing Kavish J.,
Van Rosmalen Marieke H.,
Van Engelen Baziel G.,
Vonk Madelon C.,
Van Riel Piet L.,
Pillen Sigrid
Publication year - 2015
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/mus.24595
Subject(s) - medicine , fascia , dermatomyositis , deltoid curve , polymyositis , deltoid muscle , fasciitis , concomitant , anatomy , ultrasound , surgery , radiology
We investigated the use of ultrasound to detect fascial thickening of the deltoid, vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF) muscles in dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). Methods: Fascial thickness of 7 DM and 5 PM patients was compared with that of healthy controls ( n = 54). Results: The deltoid fascial thickness was 2‐fold greater in the DM/PM group (1.15 mm vs. 0.54 mm; P < 0.001) compared with healthy controls. Eight patients had markedly thickened deltoid fascia (>5 SD). Only 1 patient with a mild clinical presentation had normal deltoid fascial thickness. Four patients also had fascial thickening of the VL and/or RF. Conclusions: Deltoid fascial thickness was increased significantly in DM and PM patients, whereas the quadriceps muscle only showed thickened fascia in severely affected patients. This study suggests that a concomitant fasciitis may be present more often than previously believed. Muscle Nerve , 2015 Muscle Nerve 52: 534–539, 2015