Vesicle formation in dermatomyositis associated with gynecologic malignancies

Vesicle formation in dermatomyositis is rare. We describe two women with dermatomyositis and vesicle formation on their extremities. Both had an ovarian cancer and histologic examinations revealing subepidermal vesicles. In both patients, direct immunofluorescence did not reveal deposition of immunoglobulin in the basement membrane zone. Of our two patients and the 17 previously reported to have dermatomyositis with vesicle formation, 10 had an internal malignant disease. Of these 10 patients, eight women had gynecologic malignant disease and two men had gastric cancer and lung cancer, respectively. Vesicle formation in dermatomyositis is strongly related to the presence of an internal malignant process, especially gynecologic malignant disease in female patients.