Abstract
Purpose of reviewThe aim of this review was to summarize key developments in classification and diagnosis of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs).Recent findingsThe recently published European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology (EULAR/ACR) classification criteria for the IIMs provide a comprehensive, accurate and data-driven approach to identification of IIM cases appropriate for inclusion in research studies. Further, recent studies have advanced understanding of clinical manifestations of the IIMs and delineated the role of imaging, particularly magnetic resonance.SummaryThe recent publication of the EULAR/ACR classification criteria will potentially greatly improve IIM research through more accurate case identification and standardization across studies.Future inclusion of newly recognized clinical associations with the MSAs may further improve the criteria's accuracy and utility. Clear and comprehensive understanding of associations between clinical manifestations, prognosis and multisystem involvement can aid diagnostic assessment; recent advances include delineation of such associations and expansion of the role of imaging.
Highlights
The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of autoimmune diseases characterised by chronic muscle inflammation, internal organ inflammation and significant morbidity and mortality [1]
A Medline search for research articles published between January 2017 and May 2018 was carried out using the MeSH term ‘myositis’
Articles primarily focussing on myositis-specific autoantibodies were excluded, as they will be reviewed in detail in a separate article
Summary
The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are a group of autoimmune diseases characterised by chronic muscle inflammation (myositis), internal organ inflammation and significant morbidity and mortality [1]. The Bohan and Peter criteria demonstrate a high degree of accuracy and usefulness in research and clinical settings This usefulness is limited by a number of factors, including lack of specification of how to exclude other forms of myopathy and aNIHR Manchester Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, bCentre for Musculoskeletal Research, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester and cRheumatology Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Salford, UK.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
