Dermatomyositis

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Dermatomyositis

Symptoms

Muscles weakness, stiffness, or soreness
Purple-red skin rash
Purple or violet colored upper eyelids
Muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Shortness of breath

The muscle weakness may appear suddenly or occur slowly over weeks or months. You may have difficulty raising your arms over the head, rising from a sitting position, and climbing stairs.

The rash may appear over the face, knuckles, neck, shoulders, upper chest, and back.

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

Bloods test to check levels of creatine phosphokinase and aldolase
ECG
Electromyography
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Muscle biopsy

References

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007.


Dermatomyositis, Gottron's papule


Dermatomyositis, Gottron's papules on the hand


Dermatomyositis, heliotrope eyelids


Dermatomyositis on the legs


Dermatomyositis, Gottron's papule


Paronychia, candidial


Dermatomyositis, heliotrope rash on the face

Review Date: 12/24/2007
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; and Paul H. Plotz, MD, Chief, Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Previously reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/12/2007).

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