[Early symptoms of dermatomyositis and antisynthetase syndrome]

The early diagnosis of rheumatic diseases is becoming increasingly important. This particularly includes inflammatory myopathies which are multisystemic disorders with visceral involvement that are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis before the development of irreversible organ involvement is, therefore, of great importance.

This report provides information on early signs and symptoms of dermatomyositis and antisynthetase syndrome. Furthermore, screening methods which allow early diagnosis including involvement of internal organs are discussed. In addition, clinical and serological subtypes and their impact on prognosis are described.