How to Diagnose Myositis | Routine Tests & More | Singapore General Hospital
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Inflammatory Myositis

Inflammatory Myositis - How to prevent?

Inflammatory Myositis - Causes and Risk Factors

Inflammatory Myositis - Diagnosis

Due to the many different forms of myositis and similarities to other muscular and nerve diseases, it may take a few visits to the doctor before the condition can be diagnosed.

After a careful physical examination, the doctor will order other tests to confirm the diagnosis. Such tests may include:
    • Routine tests like a full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and c-reactive protein (CRP) test
      • Blood tests for muscle enzymes and auto-antibodies. Muscle enzyme levels (usually raised initially) are useful for monitoring progress and response to treatment
        • Electromyogram (EMG): This is a test that measures the electrical activity of muscles. In patients with myositis the EMG would be abnormal
          • Muscle biopsy: The doctor takes a sample of the affected muscle to be checked under the microscope. The procedure is done under local anaesthesia
            • X-ray of the chest: To investigate for lung cancer and lung involvement associated with myositis
              • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This painless scan can identify abnormal muscles and can be used to locate the best site for a biopsy and to monitor the progress of the disorder 
                • A chest and abdominal CT scan: This test is useful to investigate for hidden cancers
                  • Gastroscopy and colonoscopy: These tests are useful to investigate for underlying cancers in the gastrointestinal tract

                  Inflammatory Myositis - Preparing for surgery

                  Inflammatory Myositis - Post-surgery care

                  The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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