Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2025
05:38
Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
126
Dermatomyositis Presenting with Generalized Subcutaneous Edema
Hiroaki Nishioka1, Tatsuya Shindo1, Hayato Shimizu1
1Department of General Internal Medicine, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Japan.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|August 2, 2023
Summary
Generalized subcutaneous edema is a rare but possible symptom of dermatomyositis. This case highlights facial edema as an initial sign, responding well to treatment.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Dermatology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by muscle weakness and characteristic skin rashes.
- Generalized subcutaneous edema is an uncommon presentation in dermatomyositis, making its recognition crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- An 82-year-old woman presented with progressive generalized subcutaneous edema, initially involving the face, followed by limb edema.
- Clinical examination revealed limb muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash.
- Laboratory findings included elevated muscle enzyme levels and the presence of serum anti-transcriptional intermediary factor 1-γ (anti-TIF1-γ) antibodies.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with dermatomyositis based on clinical, laboratory, and serological findings.
- Treatment with corticosteroids and tacrolimus resulted in significant improvement in muscle weakness, muscle enzyme levels, and edema.
Implications:
- This case underscores that generalized subcutaneous edema, particularly facial edema, can be an initial presenting symptom of dermatomyositis.
- Early recognition and appropriate treatment of dermatomyositis-associated edema are essential for improving patient outcomes.
- The anti-TIF1-γ antibody association warrants further investigation in similar presentations.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
9
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
9
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
1.6K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
1.6K
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
12
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
12
01:11Papillary Dermis
3.0K
Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen...
3.0K
01:23Skin Diseases and Disorders
3.9K
Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
3.9K
01:26Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
8
IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document...
8