Statins and muscle – friends or foes? Discussions based on a case report

Abstract

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a type of autoimmune myopathy characterized by relatively severe proximal weakness, myofiber necrosis with minimal inflammatory cell infiltrate on muscle biopsy, and infrequent extra-muscular involvement Anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) myopathy is a distinct subtype of INMN, often associated with statin exposure. Treatment of IMNM consists of immunosuppression with steroids, steroid-sparing agents, intravenous immune globulin and/or biologics. We present here a case of anti-HMCGR-associated IMNM and a brief review the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment to increase physician awareness of this rare and debilitating condition.

Keywords

• statins
• immune mediated necrotizing myopathy