Dermatomyositis |
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare inflammatory muscle disease that affects both the muscles as well as the skin. DM can affect people of all races, sex and age. Although it affects both males and females equally in childhood, it is more common in females in adults. The exact cause of DM is unknown but it is believed to result from an immune-mediated process triggered by outside factors (e.g. malignancy, drugs, and infectious agents) in genetically predisposed individuals. Dermatomyositis can occur with other connective tissue disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjogren’s syndrome, and mixed connective tissue disease.
In some cases the presence of dermatomyositis may be related to an internal cancer. The reported frequency of an internal cancer in adults with DM varies from less that 10% to 50%. Ovarian cancer, breast, lung, gastric, and other female genital cancers can sometimes be found in patients with DM. The diagnosis of dermatomyositis is usually recognized by the typical heliotrope rash. Patients with a characteristic skin eruption should have a skin biopsy performed to confirm diagnosis. Additional tests can be ordered to help confirm the diagnosis or to determine the extent of the disease. Blood work measuring creatine kinase and aldolase can help measure the extent of muscle damage. The presence of circulating autoantibodies in the blood may indicate the autoimmune disease. MRI may detect inflammation in the muscles. Electromyography (EMG) testing done by a small electrode inserted into the muscle can measure electrical activity of the muscle. The muscle biopsy is a very important test for confirming the diagnosis and excluding other inflammatory muscular diseases. There is no cure for dermatomyositis, but treatment can improve the symptoms. Oral corticosteroids such as prednisone may help by reducing the inflammation and thus improving the skin and muscular symptoms. Immunosuppressive drugs used alone or in combination with corticosteroids include methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporin, and high dose intravenous immunoglobulin. Physical therapy can help patients with strength and flexibility improving daily function. Protection from the sun by using sunscreens and sun protective clothing can also improve the appearance of the skin.
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2/27/2018MACRA/MIPS Update
10/12/2017Foundation for Osteopathic Dermatology
7/6/2016Disclosure to members regarding CME activities
4/3/2014The Burning Truth
12/19/2013Osteopathic Training Statement
10/9/2018 » 10/13/2018
2018 AOCD Fall Current Concepts in Dermatology Meeting
4/9/2019 » 4/13/2019
2019 AOCD Spring Current Concepts in Dermatology Meeting
9/24/2019 » 9/28/2019
2019 AOCD Fall Current Concepts in Dermatology
2/19/2020 » 2/22/2020
2020 AOCD Spring Current Concepts in Dermatology
2/24/2021 » 2/27/2021
2021 AOCD Spring Current Concepts in Dermatology