Rare forms of inflammatory myopathies - part II, localized forms

Abstract

Introduction: The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies traditionally comprise dermatomyositis, polymyositis, the anti-synthetase syndromes, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy and inclusion body myositis. However, there are uncommon localized forms that are less known. In this review, we aimed to cover these uncommon forms.

Areas covered: We identified rare forms of localized myositis on the basis of list provided by the homepage of the Neuromuscular disease center of Washington University, USA and on the basis of the authors' knowledge. We searched PubMed® for relevant articles on these forms with the aim of providing as much as possible information on their clinical manifestations as well as guidance on their work-up and treatment.

Expert opinion: herein, we provide un updated description of rare forms of localized myositis. These forms are often difficult to diagnose because of their localized nature and are sometimes misdiagnosed as tumors. Knowledge about these rare forms of localized myositis can aid in their recognition and treatment.

Keywords: Focal myositis; eosinophilic myositis; macrophagic myofasciitis; orbital myositis.