The 5- and 10-year survival rates of all 114 patients with primary DM were 89 and 81%, respectively. Significantly lower survival rates were noted in the patients receiving late and inadequate therapy. Corticosteroid therapy radically changed the outcome of DM, mainly due to early diagnosis and adequate therapy. A stable remission with preserved working ability was obtained in 40.4% of the patients, a complete cure of DM in 33.3%.