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Cutaneous changes of dermatomyositis precede muscle weakness.
N R Rockerbie1, T Y Woo, J P Callen
1Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Dermatomyositis skin rashes can appear over a year before muscle weakness. This suggests early skin changes alone may indicate dermatomyositis, warranting careful patient monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Neurology
Background:
- Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy.
- It is characterized by proximal muscle weakness and characteristic skin manifestations.
- The temporal relationship between skin and muscle involvement is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal sequence of skin and muscle involvement in dermatomyositis.
- To determine if cutaneous manifestations can precede muscle weakness.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 50 patients diagnosed with dermatomyositis.
- Analysis of medical records to identify the onset of muscle weakness and skin symptoms.
Main Results:
- Cutaneous changes were observed to precede muscle weakness in some patients.
- In certain cases, skin involvement began more than one year prior to the onset of muscle weakness.
Conclusions:
- The diagnosis of dermatomyositis should be considered even when only skin manifestations are present.
- Patients presenting with characteristic dermatomyositis rashes without muscle weakness require thorough evaluation and long-term follow-up.