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    3. Rheumatology
    4. Myositis

    Myositis

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our rheumatology, neurology and respiratory medicine specialists work together to diagnose myositis and provide advice and treatment to manage it. 

    Using advanced diagnostic testing, including specialist blood tests, MRI scanning, electromyography (EMG) and other investigations where appropriate, our multidisciplinary team aims to identify the type and cause of myositis and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

    Due to the fact that myositis can affect more than just the muscles, accurate diagnosis is essential. Our specialists work collaboratively to assess the condition comprehensively and provide expert care informed by our internationally recognised approach to complex autoimmune diseases.

    • Myositis is a group of rare autoimmune conditions that cause inflammation of the muscles, leading to muscle weakness, fatigue and difficulties with everyday movement. In autoimmune forms of myositis, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy muscle tissue, resulting in inflammation and muscle damage.

      Several types of myositis exist, including polymyositis, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis and immune-mediated necrotising myopathy. Some forms may also affect the skin, lungs, joints or other organs.

      Although myositis is uncommon, early diagnosis and specialist treatment can help control inflammation, preserve muscle function and reduce the risk of complications.

    • Symptoms of myositis can vary depending on the type of condition and the areas of the body affected.

      Common symptoms may include:

      • Muscle weakness, particularly in the shoulders, hips, thighs and upper arms
      • Difficulty climbing stairs
      • Difficulty standing from a seated position
      • Fatigue and reduced stamina
      • Muscle pain or tenderness
      • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
      • Shortness of breath
      • Joint pain or stiffness
      • Unexplained weight loss
      • Skin rashes, particularly in dermatomyositis

      You should seek specialist assessment if you experience persistent muscle weakness, worsening fatigue, difficulty swallowing or unexplained shortness of breath.

      If left untreated, myositis can lead to progressive muscle damage, reduced mobility, swallowing difficulties, respiratory complications and, in some cases, involvement of other organs. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before significant muscle damage occurs.

    • Myositis is most commonly caused by an abnormal immune response in which the immune system attacks healthy muscle tissue. The exact trigger is not always known, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is thought to contribute.

      Risk factors and potential triggers may include:

      • Family history of autoimmune disease
      • Certain viral infections
      • Environmental exposures
      • Other autoimmune conditions
      • Certain medications, in rare cases
      • Increasing age, depending on the type of myositis

      Due to the fact that myositis can affect several organ systems, assessment may involve specialists from multiple departments, including Rheumatology and Neurology. Myositis may occur alongside other autoimmune diseases, including:

      • Rheumatoid arthritis
      • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
      • Sjögren's syndrome
      • Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
      • Mixed connective tissue disease

      How can myositis affect the lungs?

      Some forms of myositis can be associated with lung disease, particularly interstitial lung disease (ILD).

      Symptoms may include:

      • Breathlessness
      • Persistent cough
      • Reduced exercise tolerance

      In these cases, respiratory specialists may work alongside rheumatologists and neurologists to support diagnosis and ongoing management.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our consultants take a comprehensive and personalised approach to providing a myositis diagnosis. During your initial consultation, your specialist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, family history and any previous investigations before recommending appropriate testing.

      Myositis diagnosis investigations may include:

      Blood tests

      Specialist blood tests can identify elevated muscle enzymes and myositis-specific antibodies associated with inflammatory muscle disease.

      MRI scan

      MRI scanning can identify areas of muscle inflammation and help determine the extent of disease involvement.

      Electromyography (EMG)

      EMG assesses muscle and nerve function and can help distinguish myositis from other neuromuscular conditions.

      Pulmonary function tests

      Breathing tests may be recommended if lung involvement is suspected.

      CT scan

      High-resolution CT imaging may be used to assess for interstitial lung disease and other respiratory complications.

      Muscle biopsy

      In selected cases, a muscle biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine the specific subtype of myositis.

      Different patients require different investigations, and your consultant may recommend several tests as part of a comprehensive assessment.

    • Treatment for myositis is tailored to the type of condition, severity of symptoms, organs affected and your individual health needs.

      Our specialists work together to develop a personalised treatment strategy aimed at controlling inflammation, preserving muscle strength and supporting long-term wellbeing.

      Treatment options may include:

      • Corticosteroid therapy to reduce inflammation
      • Immunosuppressive medications
      • Advanced immunomodulatory therapies where appropriate
      • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
      • Physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes
      • Respiratory support and monitoring when lung involvement is present
      • Ongoing monitoring and specialist follow-up

      Due to the fact that myositis can affect multiple organ systems, care is often coordinated across several specialties, ensuring every aspect of the condition is considered throughout treatment.

      Your Mayo Clinic Healthcare consultant will develop an individualised treatment plan designed to optimise outcomes, maintain function and support your quality of life.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, patients benefit from internationally recognised rheumatology expertise in the heart of central London. 

      Our consultants take a comprehensive and personalised approach to diagnosing and managing polymyalgia rheumatica, combining detailed clinical assessment with advanced diagnostic testing.

      We are committed to delivering timely diagnosis, tailored treatment plans and ongoing support to help patients manage symptoms, maintain mobility and improve quality of life.

      Key reasons patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare:

      • Access to experienced consultant rheumatologists with expertise in complex inflammatory conditions
      • Advanced diagnostic testing to support accurate and timely diagnosis
      • Multidisciplinary collaboration where symptoms overlap across specialties
      • Personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyle
      • Central London location with access to world-class private healthcare services
      • Ongoing specialist follow-up and long-term condition management

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, Bupa, Healix, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay options are also available for patients seeking prompt access to specialist assessment and treatment. 

    Private assessment 

    If you are experiencing symptoms, or have received a myositis diagnosis and would like a specialist opinion, our multidisciplinary team is here to help.

    Book a myositis assessment at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London to receive expert evaluation, advanced diagnostic testing and a personalised treatment plan from internationally recognised specialists.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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