Kavish J Bhansing1, Marieke H Van Rosmalen1, Baziel G Van Engelen2, Madelon C Vonk1, Piet L Van Riel3, Sigrid Pillen4. 1. Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 2. Department of Neurology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 3. Scientific Institute for Quality of Health Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. 4. Child Development and Exercise Center, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: 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.
INTRODUCTION: 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.