Pulmonary Fibrosis Masking Polymyositis

Abstract

A case of polymyositis with pulmonary fibrosis was unusual in that a striking remission occurred after high-dosage therapy with corticosteroids was instituted. This remission has persisted now for some 20 months. The presence of muscle disease in this patient and in several patients previously reported was masked by the more impressive symptoms of pulmonary disease. A search for occult muscle disease in patients with pulmonary fibrosis is recommended. The presence of inflammatory muscle disease in patients with pulmonary fibrosis suggests high-dosage therapy with corticosteroid (80 to 100 mg prednisone daily) may be required for therapeutic response.