A 35-year-old woman presents for evaluation of symmetric proximal muscle weakness. The patient also presents with a blue-purple discoloration of the upper eyelids accompanied by rashes on the knuckles, as shown in the picture below. What is the most likely cause?
ADermatomyositis
BInclusion body myositis
CDuchenne muscular dystrophy
DPolymyositis
EHypothyroidism
A 10-year-old boy is brought to the physician because of recurring episodes of achy muscle pain in his legs. He has a history of poor school performance despite tutoring and has been held back two grades. He is at the 40th percentile for height and 30th percentile for weight. Examination shows ptosis, a high-arched palate, and muscle weakness in the face and hands; muscle strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings is normal. Sensation is intact. Percussion of the thenar eminence causes the thumb to abduct and then relax slowly. Which of the following is the most likely underlying cause?
ADefect of voltage-gated sodium channels of the sarcolemmal membrane
BCTG trinucleotide expansion in the DMPK gene
CComplete impairment of the dystrophin protein
DApoptosis of lower motor neurons
EHumoral immune attack against the endomysial blood vessels
A 33-year-old woman comes to the clinic for a follow-up visit after recently starting high dose corticosteroids for a newly diagnosed autoimmune condition. She was first evaluated a month ago due to fatigue, muscle weakness, and a scaly rash on both hands. On examination, muscle strength was rated 2 out of 5 in the upper extremities. Creatine kinase-MB was elevated, and anti-Jo-1 antibodies were observed. A muscle biopsy later showed perimysial inflammation and treatment was initiated. Today, the patient says that her symptoms have not improved despite treatment with corticosteroids. It is agreed upon to initiate methotrexate with the hopes of achieving better symptom control. Which of the following is most often associated with this patient’s condition?
AOvarian cancer
BArthritis
CLung cancer
DRaynaud's phenomenon
EInterstitial lung disease
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