Dasatinib-Induced Polymyositis-Like Syndrome: A Report of a Rare Case

Abstract

Myositis is an inflammatory muscle disease characterized by chronic inflammation, progressive muscle weakness, and various systemic effects. Dasatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), is commonly used as a first-line treatment for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Although it is generally effective, there have been rare cases where dasatinib can induce muscle damage, leading to muscle weakness. We wanted to highlight a unique case involving a 24-year-old Caucasian male who was treated with dasatinib for CML and subsequently developed proximal weakness in both his upper and lower extremities. Imaging studies, including multiple MRI scans, revealed diffuse muscular edema. Importantly, the patient did not receive steroid treatment; however, his symptoms significantly improved after discontinuing dasatinib. This case is a noteworthy contribution to the understanding of dasatinib-induced polymyositis-like syndrome, as it represents the first documented instance, to the best of our knowledge, based on our literature review. Such cases emphasize the need for close monitoring of muscle health in patients receiving dasatinib and encourage further investigation into the relationship between this medication and myositis.

Keywords: dasatinib; drug-induced myositis; inflammatory myopathy; muscle inflammation; myositis; rheumatology.

Figure 1. Axial STIR images (A and B) and coronal STIR image (C) of the right forearm show arrows pointing to multi-compartment muscular edema and circumferential soft tissue edema.

STIR: short tau inversion recovery

Figure 2. Axial STIR sequence of the pelvis showing arrows pointing to multi-compartment muscular edema, most notably in the adductor compartments.

STIR: short tau inversion recovery

Figure 3. Coronal STIR images of the bilateral thighs showing arrows pointing to muscular edema and corresponding enhancement.

STIR: short tau inversion recovery