Calcinosis in dermatomyositis treated with probenecid

Childhood dermatomyositis is frequently complicated by deposition of calcium salts in the soft tissues. This calcinosis represents a major problem, as severe disability may result. Various drugs have been tried to dissolve the calcinosis, but the results of these trials are disappointing. In this article we present a case report of a 9-year-old girl treated with probenecid. This treatment led to a dramatic decrease in subcutaneous and intermuscular calcinosis. The authors call for controlled studies of probenecid treatment in calcinosis.