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OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is polymyositis. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how polymyositis will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a traditional question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS CONDITION (ON EXAMS)
When it comes to standardized exams, each topic has its own “code” marked by key buzzwords, lab findings, clues, etc. If you are well versed in this code you will be able to more quickly identify the condition that is being discussed, and get the right answer on the exam you are taking. Below is the “code” for polymyositis.
- Muscle weakness that is typically symmetrical/proximal
- Elevated muscle enzymes such as CK and aldolase
- Autoantibodies such as ANA, anti Jo-1
- Biopsy findings:
- Endomysial infiltrate
- Patchy necrosis
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
A 50 women comes to the clinic because of progressive weakness that has been worse for the past few months. The patient explains that she has difficulty lifting her children about her head and getting in and out of her car. Chelsea explains that his difficulty swallowing and has had several episodes choking while drinking your coffee. She has no past medical history that is remarkable. She denies using tobacco products for all alcohol. Her bio signs are within normal limits, and she has normal sensation in deep the Reflexes. Her strength is decreased in the deltoid and quadricep muscle groups, but there is no limited range of motion. The physical exam is otherwise noncontributory. ESR is elevated at 50mm/hour and serum creatinine kinase levels elevated. Her TSH levels are normal. What is the likely diagnosis patient?
Explanation # 1
Muscle weakness + elevated CK levels + elevated ESR = polymyositis
Question # 2
A 65 year old female comes to the clinic because of a 2 month history of pain in her shoulders and thighs. She also notices that she has difficulty going up the stairs at work. A physical exam reveals moderate weakness and tenderness of the proximal arm and leg muscles. What diagnosis should be considered?
Explanation # 2
Muscle weakness + tender muscles = polymyositis
Question # 3
Explanation # 3
TESTABLE FACTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC (BEYOND ITS IDENTIFICATION)
Many questions on standardized exams go beyond simply recognizing the underlying topic. Often there are specific testable facts regarding some aspect of the topic’s pathophysiology/management/clinical implications that are commonly asked. Some of these are listed below:
Page Updated: 02.22.2017