Vacuolar Myopathy in Lupus Erythematosus

IN THE PAST, histological abnormalities of muscle in persons with systemic lupus erythematosus have been considered nonspecific.1-3Recent reports, however, have suggested that there may be a specific vacuolar myopathy associated with lupus erythematosus.4A patient having such an abnormality has been studied by us. Report of a Case This white female was first seen at the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1957 at 45 years of age. At that time she had a 14-month history of low-grade fever, intermittent dysphagia, dull substernal chest pains, and fleeting joint pains. Physical examination showed a chronically ill individual with temperature, 99.6 F (37.7 C); pulse, 120 beats per minute; respirations, 24 per minute; and blood pressure, 114/80 mm Hg. A few scattered medium moist rales were heard over both lung bases, and dullness to percussion was present over the right base. Moderate cardiomegaly and a presystolic gallop were noted.