Update on toxic myopathies

A growing number of drugs and toxins can cause functional and structural damage to human skeletal muscle. These myopathies may manifest themselves as an asymptomatic creatinin kinase elevation, muscle pain of weakness and even acute rhabdomyolysis. Early diagnosis is important, because these myopathies are potentially reversible on removal of the offending agent. The precise mechanisms remain mostly unclear. Main source of a toxic myopathy is chronic alcohol abuse. Drug-induced myopathies ore most frequently seen due to lipid lowering agents and corticosteroids. Since introduction of specific HIV-therapy antiretroviral substances gain importance as another trigger for myopathy.