[Myositis disclosing systemic scleroderma]

A 61 year old patient presented with muscular atrophy and weakness, predominant at the shoulder girdle, as the first manifestation of a progressive systemic sclerosis with the signs of the CREST syndrome: subcutaneous calcinosis, Raynaud phenomenon, esophagus disorders, sclerodactyly, telangiectasia. The histological features were consistent with polymyositis. In spite of corticotherapy, total recovery was not obtained. The nosological relationships with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is discussed. Myositis is infrequent in progressive systemic sclerosis and corticosteroid therapy is discussed.