Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
3367239 | Joint Bone Spine | 2008 | 4 Pages |
Abstract
Polymyositis and dermatomyositis are autoimmune inflammatory myopathies characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation. Current recommended therapy includes corticosteroids as mainstay treatment in addition to immunosuppressant. We present herein a 25 year-old female with dermatomyositis and cardiac involvement resistant to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and anti-tumor necrosis factor-α. She was treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab. The patient demonstrated a remarkable clinical and laboratory response. B-cell depletion therapy with rituximab may be a viable option in patients with dermatomyositis and heart disease.
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Authors
Zahi Touma, Thurayya Arayssi, Lina Kibbi, Abdel Fattah Masri,