Giant cell polymyositis associated with myasthenia gravis and thymoma

Abstract

We report a case of a 40-year-old woman who developed generalized muscle weakness over a period of 2 months. Physical examination revealed palpable masses in her arms and hands. Serum creatine kinase levels were elevated. Electromyography showed myopathic changes and 3 Hz repetitive nerve stimulation revealed a decremental pattern on repetitive nerve stimulation. Muscle MRI demonstrated increased signal intensity in the biceps brachii on T1-weighted images. Chest CT scan showed a mediastinal mass suggestive of thymoma. Muscle biopsy revealed giant cell polymyositis. The patient was treated with cholinesterase inhibitors and corticosteroids with improvement of strength, and subsequently underwent thymectomy followed by radiotherapy.

Keywords: Giant cell polymyositis; Muscle MRI; Myasthenia gravis; Thymoma.