Inclusion body myositis associated with Sjögren’s syndrome

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) belongs to the group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. It is a poorly understood disease, which affects skeletal muscles. IBM usually occurs as an isolated condition, but in some cases, it may be associated with another autoimmune disorder, Sjögren’s syndrome. We report a case of a 47-year-old woman with headaches, symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, progressive weakness in muscles of the upper and lower extremities and symptoms of dry eyes and mouth. On admission, creatine kinase level was increased to 6,956 IU/mL and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to 1,011 U/L in the serum. The increase in inflammatory factor (CRP, ESR) levels was not found. The diagnosis of inclusion body myositis associated with Sjögren’s syndrome was established on the basis of clinical picture and diagnostic tests. In this therapy, methotrexate and methylprednisolone were administered. The considerable improved muscle strength in the upper and lower extremities, improved speech and swallowing, disappearance of headache and reduction in CPK and LDH levels were found 8 months after establishing the diagnosis. Treatment with methotrexate and methylprednisolone improved the clinical symptoms and quality of life of this patient and may offer a therapeutic option for some patients with IBM and concomitant Sjögren’s syndrome.