INFLAMMATORY MYOPATHY - UNUSUAL FINDINGS IN A CASE OF WEGENERS GRANULOMATOSIS

The case is presented of a 66-year-old man who developed an inflammato ry myopathy picture predominantly consisting in leg weakness. Wegener' s granulomatosis was diagnosed on the basis of suggestive thoracic ima ging, microhematuria and necrotizing arteritis with granulomas in musc ular biopsy. An increasing titer of anti-neutrophilic cytoplasm auto-a ntibodies (ANCA) confirmed the diagnosis. Rapid resolution was obtaine d by classic immunosuppressor treatment (cyclophosphamide and corticoi ds), without worsening of renal function. In discussion we emphasize t he importance of ANCA measurement for diagnosis and follow-up.