Hypothyroidism Simulating Polymyositis

Musculoskeletal symptoms may predominate and may be the presenting feature of hypothyroidism. Hochberg et al. (1) reported on 2 hypothyroid patients with a muscular syndrome presenting clinical and laboratory features indistinguishable from polymyositis. We also have observed 2 patients in whom muscle weakness and tenderness combined with marked elevation of serum muscle enzymes led us to a misdiagnosis of polymyositis.