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Camptocormia secondary to polymyositis

Camptocormia is a postural affliction characterised by abnormal flexion of the thoracolumbar spine, which appears upon standing, increases with walking, and disappears in the supine position. Only five cases of camptocormia secondary to idiopathic infl ammatory myopathies have been described in the literature. In this case report, we describe the case of a male patient 67 years of age who suffered from polymyositis for 18 years, which was associated with manifestations compatible with camptocormia. The clinical manifestations were stable and did not progress. Polymyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy clinically characterised by symmetric weakness that predominantly affects the proximal muscles. Nevertheless, polymyositis is a systemic autoimmune disease; therefore, the skeletal muscles may be diffusely affected, including the paravertebral muscles, which may manifest as camptocormia.

Polymyositis; Myositis; Musculoskeletal diseases; Posture


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