Camptocormia in Parkinson's disease mimicked by focal myositis of the paraspinal muscles.

We report on a 63-year-old man with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who developed kyphosis and a severe forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine. A typical feature was an increase during walking or standing and it completely disappeared in the supine position, mimicking the clinical phenomenon of camptocormia (bent spine). In addition to the abnormal posture, a weakness of the erector spinal muscles, local pain, reddening, and elevated temperature of the paraspinal muscles were evident. Creatine kinase was initially elevated, electromyography showed spontaneous activity and a myopathic pattern. Magnetic resonance imaging and bioptic examinations revealed a focal myositis of the paraspinal muscles. This case indicates that camptocormia can be mimicked by focal myositis of paraspinal muscles and must be included in the differential diagnosis, especially when additional symptoms as inflammatory signs or weakness are present. Copyright 2002 Movement Disorder Society.