A full physical exam is the first step toward diagnosing dermatomyositis (DM) or polymyositis (PM). Your doctor will ask you questions about your:
Get the facts about how dermatomyositis and polymyositis can affect your muscles and impact your body.
Watch VideoThen, he or she will most likely use one or more of the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
Tests for dermatomyositis and polymyositis
An MRI creates detailed images of muscle tissue. It is used to help your doctor detect if disease is present
A test to measure muscle strength with an electric impulse. Depending on your symptoms, one or more muscles may be tested to help diagnose your condition
A tiny piece of muscle is removed and sent to a lab. It is checked for damage or infection. The presence of abnormal proteins and low levels of certain enzymes will also be checked
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is a type of enzyme found in your skeletal muscles. When these muscles are damaged, they can cause CPK to enter your bloodstream. A simple blood test can let your doctor know if you have a high level of CPK in your blood. This can help determine if you have dermatomyositis or polymyositis. A blood test can also reveal if autoantibodies linked to DM or PM are present
Test for dermatomyositis only
Protein is found in every part of our body and is needed to build and maintain bones, muscles, and skin. Protein can be found in meats, fish, eggs, and dairy products.
XEnzymes are used for all body functions. These proteins cause a chemical change. For example, enzymes break down foods we eat for digestion.
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