[Unrecognized juvenile dermatomyositis complicated by calcinosis universalis: a case report from Cameroon]

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the skin and muscles. Calcinosis may complicate its course, especially when the diagnosis is late or the corticosteroid therapy inadequate. In those cases, significant joint disability may occur. Few cases are reported in sub-Saharan Africa, probably because it is rarely recognized in these areas. We report the first Cameroonian case, occurring in a 9-year-old girl. Although she sought treatment early in the disease course, the dermatomyositis was diagnosed quite late, after the onset of calcinosis universalis and severe disability. Early diagnosis of the disease and effective treatment are essential to prevent calcinosis universalis from complicating this disease in children.