multiple myositis

myositis /myo·si·tis/ (mi″o-si´tis) inflammation of a voluntary muscle.

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myositis fibro´sa  a type in which connective tissue forms within the muscle.

inclusion body myositis  a progressive inflammatory myopathy primarily involving muscles of the pelvic region and legs.

multiple myositis  polymyositis.

myositis ossi´ficans  myositis marked by bony deposits or by ossification of muscle.

proliferative myositis  a benign, rapidly growing, reactive, nodular lesion similar to nodular fasciitis, but characterized by fibroblast proliferation within skeletal muscle.

trichinous myositis  that due to the presence of Trichinella spiralis.

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multiple myositis

n.

The occurrence of multiple foci of acute inflammation in the muscular tissue and overlying skin in various parts of the body, accompanied by fever and other signs of systemic infection.

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multiple myositis.

See polymyositis.

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myositis

inflammation of a voluntary muscle. Causes heat, swelling, pain and lameness if a limb is affected. Trauma is the common cause, especially in racing and work horses. Blackleg is a specific myositis. See also polymyositis.

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atrophic myositis

a form of masticatory myositis in dogs. There is a chronic, progressive atrophy and fibrosis of the masticatory muscles of dogs which finally makes it impossible for the mouth to be opened wider than a few inches.

eosinophilic myositis

1. a form of masticatory myositis seen in German shepherd dogs. It is acute, often recurrent, and there is painful, bilaterally symmetrical swelling of the masticatory muscles, mainly temporals and masseters. Often there is an eosinophilia found in the hemogram. Occasionally other muscles are also involved. There is a progressive atrophy and fibrosis of the muscles, frequently resulting in an inability to open the mouth. In the latter it may be confused clinically with atrophic myositis (above).

2. a lesion found at meat inspection. It reduces the value of the carcass. The cause is unknown.

familial myositis

see canine familial dermatomyositis.

myositis fibrosa

a type in which there is formation of connective tissue in the muscle.

masticatory myositis

see atrophic myositis and eosinophilic myositis (above).

maxillary myositis

a slowly developing myogenic degeneration of the muscles of the jaw in horses.

multiple myositis

polymyositis.

myositis ossificans

a generalized myositis with dystrophic ossification in muscle. It occurs in pigs, in which it may be familial, and rarely in dogs and cats.

trichinous myositis

caused by the presence of Trichinella spiralis.

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Patient discussion about multiple myositis.

Q. Does my son have dermatomyositis? My son is 6 years old and he is very weak. He gets very tired after doing the simplest things like going for a walk. He also has a rash on his neck. What could this be?

A. Dermatomyositis is a muscle disease, which is characterized by chronic muscle inflammation accompanied by muscle weakness. Its' main symptom is a skin rash that precedes or accompanies progressive muscle weakness. The rash looks patchy, with bluish-purple or red discolorations, and characteristically develops on the eyelids and on muscles used to extend or straighten joints, including knuckles, elbows, heels, and toes. Red rashes may also occur on the face, neck, shoulders, upper chest, back, and other locations, and there may be swelling in the affected areas. If you are worried, take your son to see the Doctor. If your doctor thinks your son has polymyositis or dermatomyositis, he may refer you to a rheumatologist which is a doctor who diagnoses and treats problems to do with muscles, joints and bones.