Overlap syndrome of progressive systemic sclerosis and polymyositis: report of 40 cases

Chin Med Sci J. 1991 Jun;6(2):107-9.

Abstract

Forty cases of overlap syndrome of progressive systemic sclerosis and polymyositis (OS PSS-PM) are reported in this paper. All of these cases had manifestations of both PSS and PM as well as Raynaud's phenomenon. The sclerodermatous skin changes were diffused over the whole body in most cases. All cases had muscular weakness, elevated skeletal muscle enzyme levels and muscle damage as seen on the electromyogram. Histopathologic changes showed characteristics of myositis. There was noticeable systemic involvement, especially with the digestive and circulatory systems. Serologic examination frequently revealed autoantibodies. The patients responded well to traditional Chinese medicines and corticosteroids.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myositis / diagnosis*
  • Myositis / drug therapy
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / diagnosis*
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Prednisone