Etymed
polymyositis
Definition
Inflammation of multiple muscles
Clinical context
A 45-year-old woman presents with progressive weakness in her shoulders and hips over several weeks. She reports difficulty climbing stairs, rising from seated positions, and lifting objects above her head. On examination, there is symmetric proximal muscle weakness with normal reflexes and sensation. Muscle biopsy reveals inflammatory infiltrates surrounding muscle fibers.
Mnemonic
POLYmyositis = PROXIMAL muscle weakness in OLDER adults with INflammation