Dermatomyositis - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Dermatomyositis

Other name : Polymyositis

DESCRIPTION: A rare disease that combines a persistent rash with muscleweakness. When it occurs without the rash (which is present in only 40%of cases) it is called polymyositis.

CAUSE: Unknown. Commonly attacks those in late middle-age.

SYMPTOMS: A gradually progressive weakness and pain of the muscles inthe neck, upper arms, shoulder, buttocks and thighs. Patients may alsodevelop a dusky red rash on the cheeks and nose, shoulders and upperchest and back. The eyelids are often swollen and appear bruised.Unusual symptoms include redness and bleeding under the nails, coldhands, and a scaly rash over the knuckles.

INVESTIGATIONS: Diagnosed by blood tests, muscle biopsy and by measuringthe muscle's electrical activity.

TREATMENT: Drugs such as steroids, methotrexate and azathioprine arecommonly used.

COMPLICATIONS: Ten percent risk of developing cancer. Rare complicationsmay involve the heart and lungs.

PROGNOSIS: No cure. Most patients can lead a relatively normal life,although a minority are disabled by muscle weakness.