Myositis associated with Crohn's colitis.

A patient with myositis associated with Crohn's colitis is reported. Myositis preceded the clinical manifestations of colitis. Both symptoms responded promptly and rapidly to sulfasalazine. Serum creatine phosphokinase was markedly elevated and returned to normal after treatment. Muscle biopsy and electromyography were nondiagnostic. Myositis may be more common than reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Careful attention to muscle pain and serum level of creatine phosphokinase in patients with inflammatory bowel disease is suggested.