Focal myopathy induced by chronic heroin injection is reversible

✍ Scribed by Markus Weber; Hans-Christoph Diener; Thomas Voit; Eva Neuen-Jacob

• Book ID: 101255538
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2000
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 286 KB
• Volume: 23
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0148-639X
• DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-4598(200002)23:2<274::aid-mus21>3.0.co;2-y

✦ Synopsis

We report a patient who developed a focal myopathy with prominent contractures of his thigh muscles induced by chronic heroin injection. Muscle biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were indicative of a fibrotic and inflammatory process. Treatment with steroids, D- penicillamine, and physical therapy led to full functional recovery within 6 months. Sequential electromyographic (EMG) studies and muscle biopsies showed evidence of regenerating muscle fibers and absence of inflammatory cells. We conclude that heroin-induced focal myopathy is reversible and that combination therapy with D-penicillamine and steroids may be useful.