dx/tx? an idiopathic inflammatory muscle disease of proximal limbs, neck, pharnyx that may also affect the heart, lungs and GI presenting as *progressive, symmetrical muscle weakness* (usually painless), dysphagia, muscle atrophy, abnormal EMG, inc in muscle enzymes (*aldolase, creatine kinase*) and muscle Bx showing endomysial involvement; *what specific Ab will be present?* a) Polymyositis; treatment typically involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressants to suppress the immune response and reduce inflammation.

b) Dermatomyositis; treatment involves similar approaches to polymyositis but may also include skin-directed therapies for cutaneous manifestations.

c) Inclusion body myositis; treatment options are limited and mainly focus on managing symptoms rather than reversing the disease process.

d) Myasthenia gravis; treatment may include cholinesterase inhibitors, immunosuppressants, thymectomy, and supportive therapies such as plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).