Highlights & Basics
- Dermatomyositis (DM) is an idiopathic autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by a myopathy with a distinctive cutaneous eruption.
- Skin lesions are frequently the initial presenting complaint, with muscle involvement developing later. Some patients have cutaneous involvement alone. Hallmark features include a heliotrope rash, Gottron papules, photosensitivity, and nail fold capillary dilatation.
- May be associated with interstitial lung disease, cardiac involvement, esophageal involvement, dystrophic calcification, and underlying malignancy.
- Initial treatment of muscle disease is with high-dose oral corticosteroids, followed by the addition of immunosuppressants or intravenous immunoglobulin in refractory cases.
- Skin manifestations are treated with topical antipruritics and topical corticosteroids. Antimalarials and topical tacrolimus can be used in resistant disease.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
Other Factors
Diagnostics Tests
Treatment Options
Definition
Epidemiology
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Images
Macular erythematous patches (Gottron papules) over the dorsal surface of the hands, especially over the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints
Macular erythematous patches (Gottron papules) over the elbows
Macular erythematous patches (Gottron papules) over the knees
Macular erythematous patches (Gottron papules) over the toes with dystrophic cuticles
Citations
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DeWane ME, Waldman R, Lu J. Dermatomyositis: clinical features and pathogenesis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Feb;82(2):267-81.[Abstract]
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