Seborrheic dermatitis-distributed rash in dermatomyositis is associated with progressive interstitial lung disease

Abstract

To the Editor: Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by distinct cutaneous rashes, muscle inflammation, and potential involvement of internal organs. Clinically amyopathic DM (CADM) is a unique subset of DM without myositis. Interstitial lung disease (ILD), especially the fatal type called rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD), is a typical complication in patients with DM. Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene (MDA)-5 antibodies in patients with DM/CADM are associated with high prevalence of ILD/RP-ILD, poor response to treatment, and a high fatality rate.