Focal myopathy induced by chronic heroin injection is reversible

• Published in: Muscle & nerve Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 274 - 277
• Main Authors: Weber, Markus, Diener, Hans-Christoph, Voit, Thomas, Neuen-Jacob, Eva
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.02.2000; Wiley
• Subjects: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Diseases of striated muscles. Neuromuscular diseases; Electromyography; focal myopathy; Gynecomastia - pathology; heroin; Heroin Dependence - complications; histology; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Medical sciences; Muscle, Skeletal - pathology; Muscular Diseases - chemically induced; Muscular Diseases - drug therapy; Muscular Diseases - pathology; Neurology; Penicillamine - therapeutic use; Steroids; Thigh - pathology; Human; Nervous system diseases; Striated muscle disease; Toxicity; Intramuscular administration; Contracture; Heroin; Myopathy
• ISSN: 0148-639X; 1097-4598
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4598(200002)23:2<274::AID-MUS21>3.0.CO;2-Y

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. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 274–277, 2000