Forum
Myopathy with a normal creatine kinase level in juvenile myopathic dermatomyositis
Abstract
He demonstrated classic Gottron’s lesions on both hands, subcutaneous calcinosis in both axillae and groins, and a shawl sign on the back of his neck, associated with a diffuse erythematous, poikilodermatous and scleredermoid rash, with atrophic skin involving the face, arms, forearms and legs. He had bilateral elbow flexion contractures. His thigh and calf muscles were atrophic, with marked proximal myopathy and inability to stand up from chair with arms folded or to rise from a recumbent position. Nailfold capillaroscopy showed dilated, tortuous, haemorrhagic vessels with telengiectasia and drop-out. His vital capacity and other systems were normal. His serum CK was 108 (normal <140 units/litre (U/l)), and electromyography showed myopathic units (low amplitude, short duration, polyphasic) with evidence of active denervation (fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves) consistent with an active inflammatory myositis. Dermatomyositis (DM) was diagnosed, and the patient was treated with oral prednisone, with good improvement in muscle strength and enhanced performance.
Authors' affiliations
Ntobeko B A Ntusi, University of Cape Town
Jeannine M Heckmann, University of Cape Town
Full Text
PDF (788KB)Keywords
Cite this article
Article History
Date published: 2010-01-13
Article Views
Full text views: 1359
Comments on this article
*Read our policy for posting comments here