Acute gastrocnemius myositis. Another extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease.

Med J Aust · 1992

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To present the first case in Australia of skeletal muscle inflammation as a manifestation of Crohn's disease. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 50-year-old man was admitted to hospital with a two-week history of bloody diarrhoea, weight loss of 3 kg, soreness of his calf and thigh muscles, and night sweats. A clinical diagnosis of acute Crohn's gastrocnemius myositis was made. Muscle biopsy was not performed. INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME: He was prescribed hydrocortisone by the intravenous route, which was replaced by prednisone by mouth. The myositis resolved completely within 48 hours. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroids are an effective treatment for this rare extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease. Invasive investigations can be reserved for those who fail to respond.