Dermoscopy and Trichoscopy in Dermatomyositis-A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Imaging
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Videodermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool increasingly used for inflammatory skin conditions.
• Its utility in dermatomyositis (DM) diagnosis is not well-established.
• This study investigates the videodermoscopic features of DM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the videodermoscopic findings in patients diagnosed with dermatomyositis.
• To assess the potential of videodermoscopy in the preliminary diagnosis of DM.

Main Methods:

• Consecutive patients diagnosed with DM were enrolled.
• Videodermoscopic examinations were performed on nailfolds, scalp, and active skin lesions.

Main Results:

• Capillaroscopy in DM patients showed elongated, tortuous, and dilated capillaries, avascular areas, disorganized vascular architecture, and hemorrhages.
• Trichoscopy revealed linear branched and curved vessels, perifollicular pigmentation and erythema, and scaling.
• Dermoscopy of skin lesions frequently showed polymorphic, unspecific vessels and structureless white or pink areas.

Conclusions:

• Videodermoscopy of nailfolds, scalp, and skin lesions provides valuable insights into dermatomyositis.
• These videodermoscopic features can assist in the preliminary diagnosis of DM.