Skeletal muscle involvement in progressive systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

Abstract

Abstract 53 patients with typical PSS were examined for evidence of muscle weakness, abnormal serum enzymes, disturbances in urinary creatine and creatinine, and histopathologic alterations in skeletal muscle tissue. The majority was found to have clinical and biochemical features of primary myopathy. Microscopic involvement of muscle fibers or interstitium was present in 14 of 36 cases; the most consistent abnormality was interstitial fibrosis. This muscle involvement is considered an important feature in the course of PSS.