Duodenal perforation in childhood dermatomyositis

Perforation of the duodenum is an uncommon, but serious complication which may occur in children with dermatomyositis. In this disease vasculitis may involve the bowel to a variable extent and result in radiologic manifestations of intestinal injury ranging from benign pneumatosis intestinalis to signs of bowel perforation. We report two children with dermatomyositis in whom perforation of the second portion of the duodenum occurred. This serious complication should be considered in any child with dermatomyositis when extraluminal gas is suspected on abdominal radiographs.