Inflammatory myositis in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

In our SLE patient population, 6.3% presented with concurrent inflammatory myositis. Dermatomyositis-specific rashes, clinical features of systemic sclerosis, arthralgias and arthritis, and cytopenias were common coexisting clinical manifestations. A high frequency of RNP, MSA, and MAA were found. People of black race and with childhood-onset disease had a higher prevalence of myositis. Our findings suggest that SLE patients of black race, with childhood-onset SLE, and who possess MSA or MAA should be routinely screened for myositis.