Statin‐induced autoimmune necrotizing myositis—A single‐center case series highlighting this potentially life‐threatening but treatable condition

Abstract

Patients on statins presenting with myopathic pain or weakness, which does not resolve with their cessation, should be investigated for statin-induced autoimmune necrotizing myopathy. This rare condition can result in a spectrum of symptoms from relatively mild to life-threatening complications. Growing evidence supports successful treatment with targeted immunosuppression. Statins are one of the most frequently prescribed medications in health care. They are prescribed following or in order to prevent cardiovascular events and work by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoA), an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. 1 Up to 20% of patients on statins experience myalgia, this usually resolves after the drug is stopped. 1 However, in this case series we highlight a more serious and potentially life-threatening complication, statin-induced

Statin-Associated Autoimmune Myopathy Masquerading As Recurrent Falls in an Older Adult

“…No guidelines have been established for the management of this rare disease entity [ 17 ]. However, evidence supports immediate statin withdrawal and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy, including steroids [ 9 ].…”