Adult dermatomyositis associated with benign ovarian teratoma: A case report

A 27-year-old female patient presented with a 3-month history of bilateral orbital and facial edema accompanied by skin erythema and heliotrope rash. The left lesion was more critical than the right. Limb muscles were occasionally sore. On physical examination, scattered hemorrhagic rashes were observed on the patient's face and neck. Upon laboratory testing, creatine kinase (CK) was markedly elevated at 1,543.2 U/l, while CK-MB isoenzyme (27.4 U/l), α-hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase (188.4 U/l) and aspartate aminotransferase (65.3 U/l) were marginally elevated. The patient was diagnosed with dermatomyositis due to the dermatological features and elevated CK. Cancer marker analysis revealed positivity for carbohydrate antigen 125 (68.15 U/ml). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed thickening of the soft tissue of the left eyelid; furthermore, concurrent long T1- and T2-weighted signals (fat saturation) were compatible with inflammatory infiltration. Non-enhanced computed tomography identified that the right accessory region (right ovary and fallopian tube) had a cystic mass with a significant fat component and thickening of the anterior uterine wall. Gynecological ultrasound findings indicated an ovarian teratoma (8.7×7.8×9.3 cm) and uterine myoma (3.6×3.1 cm). The patient's dermatological symptoms and laboratory results were significantly relieved one week after surgical removal of the teratoma with the aid of hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone and methotrexate therapy.