Inclusion body myositis is a disease belonging to the group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. It is known for its resistance to treatment and poor prognosis.
To date, treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or intravenous immunoglobulins has not proved to be of beneficial effect. We describe a case of a male patient, who was simultaneously diagnosed with inclusion body myositis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In this case, treatment with corticosteroids had a favorable laboratory and clinical effect. Association of these two diseases is rare.
To date, only four cases of such patients have been described in the literature. An association with other inflammatory rheumatic diseases, especially Sjögren's syndrome, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, is described more frequently.
In these cases, a favorable response to treatment with corticosteroids was reported as well.