Suppamutharwyam M, Shah TM. Statin-Associated Autoimmune Myopathy Masquerading As Recurrent Falls in an Older Adult.
Cureus 2023;
15:e45515. [PMID:
37868542 PMCID:
PMC10585192 DOI:
10.7759/cureus.45515]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Statins are widely prescribed in clinical practice. Statin-induced myopathy is relatively common, benign, and resolves after statin withdrawal. However, statin-associated autoimmune myopathy is an exceptionally rare and devastating complication that can occur any time after statin initiation. It is characterized by persistent muscle weakness and elevated creatine kinase levels that persist after statin withdrawal. Herein, we present a challenging case of a statin-associated autoimmune myopathy that developed after a decade of atorvastatin use that resulted in debilitating weakness. It is important to recognize cases of myopathies wherein statin discontinuation and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy can reduce morbidity and mortality.
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