Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Field	Rheumatology
Symptoms	Rash, muscle weakness, weight loss, fever
Complications	Calcinosis, lung inflammation, heart disease
Onset	40s to 50s
Duration	Long term
Types
Causes	Unknown
Risks
Diagnosis	Based on symptoms, blood tests, electromyography, muscle biopsies
Differential diagnosis	Polymyositis, inclusion body myositis, scleroderma
Prevention
Treatment	Medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, orthotics, assistive devices, rest
Medication	Corticosteroids, methotrexate, azathioprine
Prognosis
Frequency	~ 1 per 100,000 people per year
Deaths

Calcification from dermatomyositis

X-Ray of the knee in a person with dermatomyositis.

Micrograph of dermatomyositis. Muscle biopsy. H&E stain.

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects muscles and skin.

Overview

Dermatomyositis is characterized by a distinctive skin rash and progressive muscle weakness, which may occur suddenly or develop gradually over months. Additional symptoms might include weight loss, fever, lung inflammation, or light sensitivity. Complications can involve calcium deposits in muscles or skin.

Etiology

The exact cause of dermatomyositis remains unknown. It is postulated to be an autoimmune disease or potentially triggered by a viral infection, categorizing it as a type of inflammatory myopathy.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of dermatomyositis typically relies on a combination of symptomatology, blood tests, electromyography, and muscle biopsies.

Treatment

While there is currently no cure for dermatomyositis, various treatment strategies can alleviate symptoms. These may include medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy, orthotics, assistive devices, and rest. Corticosteroids are commonly used, with additional agents such as methotrexate or azathioprine recommended if steroid therapy is insufficient. Intravenous immunoglobulin may also be beneficial. The condition may improve with treatment, and in some cases, it may resolve completely.

Epidemiology

Dermatomyositis affects approximately 1 per 100,000 people each year. It commonly presents in individuals in their 40s and 50s, with a higher incidence in women than men. However, it can affect individuals of any age. The condition was first described in the 1800s.

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  Gottron's papules on finger joints.
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  Gottron's papules on the elbows of a person with juvenile DM
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  Gottron's papules
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  Gottron's papules on a person with juvenile DM
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  Gottron's papules in severe case of juvenile dermatomyositis
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  Heliotrope with swelling around the eyes
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  Heliotrope
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  Facial rash
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  Severe rash on the hands, extending up the forearm
• 
  Forearm rash

See Also

• Autoimmune disease
• Inflammatory myopathy
• Rash
• Muscle weakness

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