Successful Treatment of Steroid-Immunosuppressant Resistant Polymyositis with Immunoadsorption

A 46-year-old man with "steroid and immunosuppressant-resistant" polymyositis was successfully treated with immunoadsorption after conventional treatments failed. Despite receiving high doses of methylprednisolone, prednisolone, and azathioprine, his muscle weakness and pain worsened, leading to an inability to walk. A muscle biopsy confirmed polymyositis, showing mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis. Upon transfer to Shinshu University Hospital, he exhibited symptoms including hair loss and generalized muscle weakness. Immunoadsorption was employed as a treatment, which proved effective in managing his condition.