Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a chronic inflammatory myopathy with a progressive course. It is more common in the later years of life and usually presents with limb weakness. We present the case of a patient who developed proximal weakness in the lower limbs and, four years later, facial asymmetry. Blood analysis revealed high lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase values. The diagnosis was obtained through muscle biopsy which met the histological criteria for IBM. The patient started treatment with alemtuzumab, leading to stabilisation of the symptoms in two years.
Learning points:
IBM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of muscle weakness.Patients may present uncommon symptoms, such as prominent facial involvement.Alemtuzumab may potentially be beneficial in limiting the progression of IBM.