Read more about this disease, some with Classification – Types – Signs and symptoms – Genetics – Pathophysiology – Diagnosis – Screening – Prevention – Treatment and management – Cures and much more, some including pictures and video when available.
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a connective-tissue disease related to Polymyositis (PM) that is characterized by inflammation of the muscles and the skin.
The cause is unknown, but it may result from either a viral infection or an autoimmune reaction. Some cases of dermatomyositis actually “overlap” (are combined with) another autoimmune disease such as lupus, scleroderma, or vasculitis. Because of the link between DM and autoimmune disease, doctors and patients suspecting DM may find it helpful to run an ANA – antinuclear antibody – test, which in cases of a lupus-like nature may be positive (usually from 1:160 to 1:640, with normal ranges at 1:40 and below).
Some cases of DM are a paraneoplastic phenomenon, indicating the presence of cancer.[1] In cases involving cancer, the cancer is usually pre-existent, with removal of the cancer resulting in remission of the DM. The onset of a rash in patients with pre-existing myositis requires investigation of the neoplastic possibility.
In 1988, the noted Lyme disease researcher Dr. Alan Steere observed: “Finally, the perivascular lymphoid infiltrate in clinical myositis does not differ from that seen in polymyositis or dermatomyositis. All of these histologic derangements suggest immunologic damage in response to persistence of the spirochete, however few in number.”, in his article, Clinical pathologic correlations of Lyme disease by stage.
Before the advent of modern treatments such as prednisone, IVIG, plasmapheresis, chemotherapies, and other drugs, prognosis was poor.[citation needed] Now, in the 21st century, there are numerous treatments and immune-modulating drugs. Fortunately, over 90% of patients today will do well for many years, with remission being a possibility. However, it is still important that treatment begin as soon as possible.
X-ray findings sometimes include dystrophic calcifications in the muscles, and patients may or may not notice small calcium deposits under the skin. Many do not have any calcium deposits of any kind. The rash also may come and go, and may not be dependent on the severity of the muscle involvement at the time. “Gottron’s papules”, pink patches on the knuckles, and priapism, are associated with this disorder.
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