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Published on: November 28, 2010
Panniculitis associated with dermatomyositis and recurrent ovarian cancer
Sasha D Girouard1, Nicole F Velez, Richard T Penson
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Background:
Panniculitis is a rare cutaneous manifestation of dermatomyositis (DM), typically presenting as tender, erythematous subcutaneous nodules. Complications, such as pain, calcinosis, and lipoatrophy, are associated with high morbidity. While it has been suggested that panniculitis in DM may correlate with a better prognosis, our understanding of its true significance, prognostic implications, and management is limited by the paucity of reported cases. We describe the first reported case to our knowledge of DM-associated panniculitis in the setting of ovarian adenocarcinoma as well as in association with a recurrent malignancy.
Observations:
A 63-year-old woman with a history of DM and recurrent ovarian adenocarcinoma presented with multiple painful, erythematous subcutaneous nodules on the bilateral upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. Histologic examination showed lymphoplasmacytic panniculitis with associated dermal mucin deposition, consistent with lobular panniculitis in association with connective-tissue disease. Treatment with oral methotrexate resulted in sustained clinical improvement over a 10-month period.
Conclusions:
Although panniculitis in DM has previously been suggested to be a good prognostic indicator, our case report describes an association with ovarian adenocarcinoma and a recurrent malignancy. Methotrexate may be an effective treatment for panniculitis in DM.
Insights
Panniculitis, a rare skin condition in dermatomyositis (DM), can occur with ovarian cancer. Methotrexate showed promise in treating this rare DM complication.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Panniculitis is a rare skin manifestation of dermatomyositis (DM), presenting as painful nodules.
- Its association with malignancy and prognostic significance in DM remain unclear due to limited case reports.
Observation:
- A patient with DM and recurrent ovarian adenocarcinoma presented with subcutaneous nodules.
- Histology confirmed lymphoplasmacytic panniculitis with dermal mucin deposition, indicative of lobular panniculitis associated with connective tissue disease.
Findings:
- This case highlights DM-associated panniculitis in the context of ovarian adenocarcinoma and recurrent malignancy.
- Oral methotrexate led to sustained clinical improvement over a 10-month period.
Implications:
- Panniculitis in DM may not always indicate a better prognosis, especially when associated with malignancy.
- Methotrexate appears to be a potentially effective treatment for DM-associated panniculitis.
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