Some of these additional tests may include a WBC differential, a blood smear review, or in severe conditions, a bone marrow examination. A differential may indicate which type of WBC is low or high while a blood smear and/or bone marrow biopsy can reveal the presence of abnormal and/or immature WBCs. ^ Back to top.
The most common types are dermatomyositis, polymyositis, necrotising autoimmune myopathy and sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM). Although dermatomyositis affects the skin and muscles, it may also affect other parts of the body such as joints, oesophagus, lungs and heart.
Pulmonary infiltration can lead to lung fibrosis (i.e., the hardening and thickening of tissue) that can cause permanent scarring. Fibrosis tends to develop in areas where the infiltration lasts a long time or where it is especially dense. Fibrosis causes the lungs to stiffen, making it difficult to breathe. Unfortunately, fibrosis is irreversible. If extensive, it can cause severe dysfunction and, at its worse, can lead to heart failure. Although often asymptomatic, granulomas in the lung can cause assorted respiratory problems, including: 1  A persistent, dry cough. 2  Chest pain. 3  Hemoptysis (spitting up of blood from the lungs).