Polymyositis and Rhabdomyolysis as Paraneoplastic Manifestations of Primary Liver Cancer / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Polymyositis is characterized by symmetrical proximal muscle weakness, nonsuppurative inflammation of skeletal muscle, elevation of muscle enzyme levels, and abnormality of electromyographical change. Its pathogenesis is unclear. Paraneoplastic syndromes are caused by malignant tumors, although not through direct effects of the primary tumor or its metastases. Several paraneoplastic syndromes, including erythrocytosis, hypoglycemia, and hypercholesterolemia, have been reported in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. A few cases of polymyositis associated with hepatocellular carcinoma and one case of combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma associated with polymyositis and chronic hepatitis B virus infection have been reported. Skeletal muscle injuries without trauma, including metabolic myopathy, effects of certain drugs and toxins, infection, electrolyte imbalances, and endocrine disorders, may cause rhabdomyolysis. We present here a case of primary liver cancer associated with polymyositis and rhabdomyolysis.