Dermatomyositis overview: Difference between revisions
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"Gottron's papules", pink patches on the knuckles, and priapism, are associated with this disorder. | "Gottron's papules", pink patches on the knuckles, and priapism, are associated with this disorder. | ||
==Classification== | |||
It is classified as juvenile or adult dermatomyositis. | |||
==Pathophysiology== | |||
The underlying mechanism of dermatomyositis is conjectured to be [[Complement system|complement]]-mediated damage of microscopic vessels with muscle atrophy and lymphocytic inflammation secondary to tissue [[ischemia]]. On microscopy, both [[B-cell|B-]] and [[T-cell]] infiltrate is seen. | |||
==Causes== | |||
Possible causes of dermatomyositis could be a viral infection or an [[autoimmune]] reaction. It is closely associated with other autoimmune diseases. | |||
==Differentiating Dermatomyositis from other Diseases== | |||
Dermatomyositis must be differentiated from other common, lymphocyte predominant inflammatory myopathies. [[Hypothyroidism]] and [[sarcoidosis]] have few common symptoms as dermatomyositis and need to be ruled out. | |||
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis== | |||
Complications related to dermatomyositis are difficulty in swallowing, aspiration pneumonia and skin involvement such as infection and calcinosis. The prognosis of the disease depends upon response to therapy and whether complications appear in the patient. | |||
==Diagnosis== | |||
===History and Symptoms=== | |||
The main symptoms of dermaomyositis include skin [[rash]] and symmetric proximal muscle weakness which may be accompanied by pain. There can also be purple or violet colored upper eyelids. The skin rash is purple-red and over the face, knuckles, neck, shoulders, upper chest, and back. | |||
===Physical Examination=== | |||
Physical examination findings in dermatomyositis include Gottron's sign, a heliotrope rash on the upper eyelids, shawl sign, erythroderma, periungual telangiectasia, cracked skin of hands, psoriaform changes and calcinosis cutis. | |||
===Laboratory Findings=== | |||
[[Creatine kinase]] (CK) and [[aldolase]] levels may be increased indicating muscle damage in dermatomyositis. | |||
===X Ray=== | |||
X Ray findings include dystrophic [[calcification]]s in the muscles and/ or calcium deposits under the skin. | |||
===Other Diagnostic Studies=== | |||
A [[muscle biopsy]] can in dermatomyositis demonstrates inflammatory cells surrounding and damaging blood vessels in the muscle. [[Skin biopsy]] is done to identify dermatomyositis and also to rule out [[systemic lupus erythematosus]]. | |||
==Treatment== | |||
There is no cure for dermatomyositis, but the symptoms can be treated. Options include medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy (including microwave and ultrasound), orthotics and assistive devices, and rest. The standard treatment for dermatomyositis is a corticosteroid drug, given either in pill form or intravenously. Surgery may be required to remove calcium deposits that cause nerve pain and recurrent infections. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist|2}} | {{reflist|2}} | ||
Revision as of 18:42, 30 October 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Dermatomyositis is connective-tissue disease that is characterized by inflammation of the muscles and the skin. Its cause is unknown, but it may result from either a viral infection or an autoimmune reaction. Up to 50% of the cases may be a paraneoplastic phenomenon, indicating the presence of cancer.
X-ray findings include dystrophic calcifications in the muscles.
There is a form of this disorder that strikes children, known as juvenile dermatomyositis.
"Gottron's papules", pink patches on the knuckles, and priapism, are associated with this disorder.
Classification
It is classified as juvenile or adult dermatomyositis.
Pathophysiology
The underlying mechanism of dermatomyositis is conjectured to be complement-mediated damage of microscopic vessels with muscle atrophy and lymphocytic inflammation secondary to tissue ischemia. On microscopy, both B- and T-cell infiltrate is seen.
Causes
Possible causes of dermatomyositis could be a viral infection or an autoimmune reaction. It is closely associated with other autoimmune diseases.
Differentiating Dermatomyositis from other Diseases
Dermatomyositis must be differentiated from other common, lymphocyte predominant inflammatory myopathies. Hypothyroidism and sarcoidosis have few common symptoms as dermatomyositis and need to be ruled out.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Complications related to dermatomyositis are difficulty in swallowing, aspiration pneumonia and skin involvement such as infection and calcinosis. The prognosis of the disease depends upon response to therapy and whether complications appear in the patient.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
The main symptoms of dermaomyositis include skin rash and symmetric proximal muscle weakness which may be accompanied by pain. There can also be purple or violet colored upper eyelids. The skin rash is purple-red and over the face, knuckles, neck, shoulders, upper chest, and back.
Physical Examination
Physical examination findings in dermatomyositis include Gottron's sign, a heliotrope rash on the upper eyelids, shawl sign, erythroderma, periungual telangiectasia, cracked skin of hands, psoriaform changes and calcinosis cutis.
Laboratory Findings
Creatine kinase (CK) and aldolase levels may be increased indicating muscle damage in dermatomyositis.
X Ray
X Ray findings include dystrophic calcifications in the muscles and/ or calcium deposits under the skin.
Other Diagnostic Studies
A muscle biopsy can in dermatomyositis demonstrates inflammatory cells surrounding and damaging blood vessels in the muscle. Skin biopsy is done to identify dermatomyositis and also to rule out systemic lupus erythematosus.
Treatment
There is no cure for dermatomyositis, but the symptoms can be treated. Options include medication, physical therapy, exercise, heat therapy (including microwave and ultrasound), orthotics and assistive devices, and rest. The standard treatment for dermatomyositis is a corticosteroid drug, given either in pill form or intravenously. Surgery may be required to remove calcium deposits that cause nerve pain and recurrent infections.