Dermatomyositis

Question 1

Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory condition that causes what?

Answer 1

Symmetrical and proximal muscle weakness and characteristic skin lesions

Question 2

It may be idiopathic or may be associated with CT disorders or a malignancy - name 1 of these malignancies

Answer 2

• Ovarian
• Lung
• Breast

Question 3

Polymyositis is a variant of dermatomyositis - how is it different?

Answer 3

Skin features are less prominent

Question 4

Name 2 skin features

Answer 4

• Gottron’s papules (roughened red papules over extensor surfaces of fingers
• Macular rash over back and shoulder
• Photosensitivity
• Dry and scaly hands
• Nail fold capillary dilation
• Heliotrope rash (reddish purple rash) over periorbital region

Question 5

Name 2 other features (apart from skin features)

Answer 5

• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Proximal muscle weakness and tenderness
• Respiratory muscle weakness
• ILD
• Dysphagia and dysphonia

Question 6

What antibody is positive in 80% of patients?

Answer 6

ANA

Question 7

Name another antibody that may be positive

Answer 7

Antibodies to aminoacyl tRNA synthetases i.e.
- Anti Jo1
- Anti SRP
- Anti Mi 2