A CASE OF TYPE II POLYGLANDULAR AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE (SCHMIDT'S SYNDROME) ASSOCIATED WITH A MYOPATHY OF UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY

Abstract

A 44-year-old female with Schmidt's syndrome associated with a myopathy of unknown etiology is reported. The myopathy, characterized by general muscle weakness and extensive atrophy and loss of muscle fibers, developed since the age of 23 y and progressed. The myopathy could not be diagnosed by immuno-histochemistry nor ser- ological examination. Skin pigmentation developed since 40 y. At 44 y, she was diagnosed with Schmidt's syndrome due to the association of autoimmune Addison's disease and Hashimoto's disease. Although the supplemental therapy of hydrocortisone and thyroxin improved adrenal insufficiency and hypothyroidism, the therapy could not improve the muscle weakness of the myopathy. This is the first case of Schmidt's syndrome with a myopathy of unknown etiology like this case.