J. Michael Wieting

Inclusion body myositis and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder: Significant resolution of symptoms after tumor excision

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a separate class of the inflammatory myopathies with recently proposed clinical and pathological diagnostic criteria. An association between inflammatory myopathies and malignancy has been questioned in the literature. Recent reviews of the inflammatory myopathies suggest that only dermatomyositis is associated with malignancy. The largest study to date of patients with IBM found that 15% had a malignancy (6 of 40). We report the first documented case of IBM and concurrent transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. We suggest that a causal relationship between IBM and malignancy may exist because of significantly improved functional strength gained after tumor removal.

Dermatomyositis Associated With Fallopian Tube Carcinoma

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy associated with characteristic cutaneous and extracutaneous manifestations, including malignancy. Primary fallopian tube carcinoma (FTC) is the least common site of origin for a malignant neoplasm of the female genital tract. This report describes the first documented case of DM and concurrent FTC in the United States. A 62-year-old woman presented with DM and was subsequently found to have FTC. During her clinical course, she had improvement in strength and function with treatment of the underlying FTC, which also correlated with lower creatinine phosphokinase levels. An association between DM and FTC may exist because of significant functional strength improvements after tumor removal and chemotherapy.

Evolution of AOA Specialty Board Certification

The launch of Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) signifes the next stage of the osteopathic board certification process. The OCC process replaces the old recertification system for all osteopathic physicians who earned time-limited certificates from American Osteopathic Association (AOA) certifying boards. All 18 AOA certifying boards are now engaged in the continuous certification process. With the advent of any new system, many questions and concerns will arise. The AOA Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists continues to evaluate its new certification system and prepare for modifcations in response to this feedback.