Sarcoid myopathy presenting with diaphragm weakness

Abstract

Sarcoidosis involving muscle occurs frequently, but it is infrequently symptomatic. The clinical, electromyographic, and histologic features of sarcoidosis involving muscle in a 63-year-old woman presenting with diaphragm weakness are described. An electromyogram revealed wide-spread myotonia and an inflammatory myopathic process, suggestive of adult-onset acid maltase deficiency disease. Muscle biopsy showed noncaseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis. Clinical improvement followed the initiation of oral prednisone therapy. This case illustrates that muscular sarcoidosis may mimic adult-onset acid maltase deficiency in both its clinical and electromyographic features.