A rare lymphoma in a patient with amyopathic dermatomyositis

A 37-year-old Caucasian woman was evaluated for a photosensitive dermatitis. A positive anti-nuclear antibody with a titer of 1 : 1280 and a speckled pattern was noted and she was diagnosed with subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE). Although the initial dermatologic diagnosis was SCLE, a skin biopsy suggested the additional possibility of dermatomyositis because of increased dermal mucin. We began following her at the request of the dermatology department, and a diagnosis of amyopathic dermatomyositis was made based on the lack of objective muscle weakness, normal muscle enzymes, negative double-stranded DNA, SSA/SSB, and RNP/Smith antibody panel, and especially on the cutaneous examination findings. A malignancy evaluation included a normal CT scan of her chest, abdomen, and pelvis, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy, mammography, pelvic ultrasound, Papanicolaou smear, and endometrial biopsy. She developed vaginal bleeding 1 year after the onset of her skin manifestations. Repeat gynecologic evaluation, including cervical biopsy, revealed a large B-cell cervical lymphoma. Amyopathic dermatomyositis and lymphoma of the cervix are both rare conditions. Our case emphasizes the importance of considering underlying malignancy at the time of diagnosis and while the patient is followed clinically. Additionally, the clinician must remain vigilant in evaluating any new clinical changes in follow-up care. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of lymphoma of the cervix in the setting of amyopathic dermatomyositis.