Beware of 'normal' creatine kinase levels in HIV-associated polmyositis

Journal Article

2010

Permanent link to this Item
Authors
Journal Title

South African Medical Journal

Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Publisher

University of Cape Town

License
Series
Abstract
Generalised weakness may be a common complaint of persons infected with HIV, but the development of significant proximal weakness requires specific attention. Polymyositis may occur in HIV infection and is readily treatable with prednisone. Elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels have been regarded as an important criterion for diagnosing polymyositis. A study of HIV-associated polymyositis reported similarly elevated CK levels to those observed in non-HIV settings.1 However, muscle inflammation can be associated with normal or near-normal CK levels. We report 4 cases of HIV-associated polymyositis in which the diagnosis was almost missed owing to the absence of raised CK levels.
Description

Reference:

Collections