Abstract
Background: (Video)dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that has a well-established role in dermatooncology. In recent years, this method has also been increasingly used in the assessment of inflammatory dermatoses. So far, little is known about the (video)dermoscopic features of dermatomyositis (DM). Methods: Consecutive patients with DM were included in the study and videodermoscopic assessments of the nailfolds, scalp, and active skin lesions were performed. Results: Fifteen patients with DM (10 women and 5 men) were included. Capillaroscopy showed elongated capillaries (90.9%), avascular areas (81.8%), disorganized vessel architecture (81.8%), tortuous capillaries (72.7%), dilated capillaries (72.7%), and hemorrhages (72.7%). The trichoscopic findings included linear branched vessels (80.0%), linear vessels (60.0%), linear curved vessels (53.3%), perifollicular pigmentation (40.0%), perifollicular erythema (33.3%), scaling (20.0%), white (20.0%) or yellow (20%) interfollicular scales, and white (20.0%) or pinkish (13.3%) structureless areas. Polymorphic vessels of an unspecific distribution and white or pink structureless areas were frequently observed under dermoscopy in cutaneous manifestations of DM, including Gottron’s papules and Gottron’s sign. Conclusions: Dermoscopy of the nailfolds (capillaroscopy), scalp (tricoscopy), and active cutaneous lesions may be of value in the preliminary diagnosis of DM.
Highlights
Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disorder from the spectrum of inflammatory myopathies
The examination was performed without immersion fluid (“dry videodermoscopy”) in order to better assess the scales
Capillaroscopy use has great potential in DM, and several studies confirmed the application of handheld dermatoscopes and videodermatoscopes in the assessment of nailfold capillaries [7,8,9,10]. (Video)dermoscopy enables the visualization of “bushy” capillaries, dilated capillaries, nailfold bleedings, and avascular areas
Summary
Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disorder from the spectrum of inflammatory myopathies. Skin involvement may precede the development of myositis. Gottron’s papules (violaceous papules on dorsal hands over interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints) and heliotrope (violaceous erythema, commonly associated with oedema, and predominantly affecting upper eyelids) are considered to be pathognomonic for DM. Another common skin symptom is Gottron’s sign, consisting of violaceous macules over joints, especially over knees and elbows. Photosensitivity is frequently observed in DM and may manifest with erythema in the upper chest (“V-neck sign) and upper back (“shawl sign”). In the case of severe photosensitivity, the skin involvement may be much more extensive. Nailfold lesions are a frequent finding and include periungual teleangiectasia, dystrophic cuticle, and small hemorrhagic infarcts
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
