POLYMYOSITIS ASSOCIATED TO HTLV-1 INFECTI ON

We report a 68 years old male with a polymyositis associated to HTLV-1 . Diagnosis was based on clinical picture, an increased creatin-phosph okinase levels, electromyography and muscle biopsy. The patient had po sitive HTLV-1 antibodies, measured by particle agglutination test, ind irect immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction in lymphocytes. Skin biopsy showed a mycosis fungoides. Schirmer test and minor saliv ary gland biopsy showed a dacryosialoadenitis. There was no central ne rvous system involvement. This patient is the only with positive HTLV- 1 antibodies, among 18 patients with polymyositis in whom these antibo dies were measured.