Pronounced: Der-MAA-toe-MY-oh-SI-tis
Dermatomyositis is a noninfectious inflammation of muscle tissue and skin.
Dermatomyositis and its sister disease, polymyositis , belong to a large group of connective tissue disorders that includes lupus erythematosus , rheumatoid arthritis , and scleroderma (systemic sclerosis).
They are all believed to be “autoimmune disorders,” where the body launches an attack against its own tissue. These chronic, progressive conditions lead to tissue damage. They can be serious conditions that require care from your doctor. The sooner these disorders are treated, the better the outcome. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor right away.
Although the cause or causes are not known, a viral infection may trigger the onset of dermatomyositis by causing the body’s immune system to identify infected skin and muscle tissue as a threat.
Your chance of developing this condition is higher if you have another connective tissue disorder.
If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to dermatomyositis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you have any one of the following symptoms, see your doctor.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. You are likely to be referred to a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in musculoskeletal disorders).
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Because this is a serious disease with long-term implications, physical exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and a nutritious diet are an integral part of treatment.
Cortisone-like drugs, usually oral prednisone, often produce a satisfactory response over the course of 2-3 months. After this, the dose may be reduced according to the activity of the disease.
Agents used to treat cancer and organ transplants have helped patients who did not respond to prednisone. Examples of these medicines include:
The following treatments have been used for severe cases:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
Muscular Dystrophy Association
http://www.mdausa.org/
The Myositis Association
http://www.myositis.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOUCRES:
The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca/
Muscular Dystrophy Canada
http://www.muscle.ca/
References:
Berkow R, Beers MH, Burs M, eds. The Merck Manual. 17th ed. West Point, PA: Merck & Co; 1999.
Bolognia JL, Jorizzo J, Rapini RP. Dermatology. London: Elsevier Science; 2003.
Chung L, Genovese MC, Fiorentino DF. A pilot trial of rituximab in the treatment of patients with dermatomyositis. Arch Dermatol. 2007;143:763-767.
Dalakas MC. Polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and inclusion body myositis. In: Kasper DL, et al, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 16th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2005: 2540-2545.
Dermatomyositis. EBSCO Dynamed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Accessed August 2005.
Dold S, Justiniano ME, Marquez J, Espinoza LR. Treatment of early and refractory dermatomyositis with infliximab: a report of two cases. Clin Rheumatol. 2007;26:1186-1188.
Wong EH, Hui AC, Griffith JF, et al. MRI in biopsy-negative dermatomyositis. Neurology. 2005;64:750.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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