Dermatomyositis

Not yet reviewed

This information is AI generated and has not yet been reviewed by a specialist physician. AI can make mistakes.

Disease overview

Inflammatory myopathy leading to degeneration of muscle and skin

Common symptoms

Proximal muscle achesweaknessand atrophyheliotrope rashscaling and redness of the knuckleselbowsand kneesedema surrouding the eyes

When to suspect

  • Recommendation 1

    Presence of characteristic skin rash, progressive weakness of proximal muscles, elevated CK, aldolase, AST, and LDH, and abnormal findings on EMG. Adults should be evaluated for an underlying malignancy

How to test

  • Recommendation 1

    Presence of characteristic skin rash, progressive weakness of proximal muscles, elevated CK, aldolase, AST, and LDH, and abnormal findings on EMG. Adults should be evaluated for an underlying malignancy

ZebraMD is partnering with Ambry Genetics for clinical-grade whole genome testing for rare diseases. Ambry accepts insurance. If you don’t have a physician to order this test, join our referral list and our team will reach out.

Treatment

  • Recommendation 1

    Glucocorticoids first-line with repeat measures of CK to monitor effectiveness before prednisone taper

Primary care

  • Recommendation 1

    Adults diagnosed should undergo malignancy evaluation including breast, gynecologic, and/or rectal examination. Screening may include routine blood testing, analysis of urine and stool, chest x-rays, mammograms in women. Sun avoidance, sunscreens, topical glucocorticoids, methotrexate, mycophenolate, or IVIG may also be recommended

Further support

  • Recommendation 1

    Rheumatology, immunology. Referral to Medical Genetics Department, if available. Initial virtual care is also available through organizations like TeleRare Health.

Clinical trials

Clinical Trials

Sources

No data available

Interested in learning more about Dermatomyositis?

Follow to receive regular updates to the latest research development on this disease via email newsletter.