The spelling of "perimyositis" can be confusing due to its combination of Latin and Greek roots. The word refers to an inflammatory disease affecting the muscles and their surrounding tissue. The "peri-" prefix comes from the Greek "peri", meaning "around", while "myo-" comes from the Greek "mys", meaning "muscle" and "-itis" is a Latin suffix indicating inflammation. The pronunciation of "perimyositis" is /per-ee-my-oh-sigh-tis/ with the stress on the second syllable, as denoted by the bolded "oh" in the transcription.
Perimyositis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the connective tissues surrounding a muscle. It is derived from the combination of the prefix "peri-" meaning "around," the word "myo" referring to "muscle," and the suffix "-itis" which denotes inflammation. Perimyositis can affect skeletal muscles, which are responsible for voluntary movement, and is typically associated with autoimmune disorders or infections.
In perimyositis, the immune system mistakenly identifies the muscle's connective tissues as foreign or damaged, triggering an inflammatory response. This leads to the infiltration of immune cells into the affected area, resulting in pain, swelling, and tenderness. Common symptoms include muscle weakness, stiffness, difficulty in moving the affected muscle, and possibly a low-grade fever.
The causes of perimyositis can vary, including viral infections such as influenza, bacterial infections, or autoimmune diseases such as polymyositis or dermatomyositis. Diagnosis may involve a thorough physical examination, blood tests to detect specific markers of inflammation, and imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the affected muscle and surrounding tissues.
Treatment options for perimyositis often involve addressing the underlying cause. This may include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, immunosuppressant medications to suppress the immune response in autoimmune-related cases, or antibiotics to target bacterial infections. Physical therapy and gentle stretching exercises may also be recommended to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and overall function. Monitoring and managing the symptoms, as well as regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals, are essential for individuals diagnosed with perimyositis to ensure optimal management and prevent complications.
Inflammation of the loose cellular tissue surrounding a muscle.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "perimyositis" is derived from Greek. It consists of two root words: "peri" meaning "around" or "surrounding", and "myositis" which is derived from "myos" meaning "muscle" and "itis" meaning "inflammation". Therefore, "perimyositis" refers to the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the muscles.