Abstract
BackgroundDermatomyositis (DM) is a rare syndrome that belongs to the group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The association between DM and malignancy is well recognized, and the severity of DM symptoms has been linked to the progression of metastatic disease.Case presentationWe report the case of a 42-year-old man that was diagnosed with dermatomyositis (DM) and rectal cancer. Proctectomy was performed, and DM symptoms were resolved postoperatively. One year and 9 months after the surgery, liver metastasis occurred accompanied by the exacerbation of DM symptom. Partial resection of the liver was performed, and postoperative course was uneventful. DM symptoms improved postoperatively, and no evidence of cancer recurrence or DM symptoms was observed 2 years after the second surgery. To date, few reports have described recurring cases of DM accompanied by colorectal cancer in detail. We reviewed four similar cases that were reported poor prognoses with treatment resistance. However, our case report demonstrates good long-term results with resection of metastatic lesion.ConclusionsIt is important to check the exacerbation of DM symptoms, as this symptom sometimes preceded cancer relapse during the follow-up of our patient with DM and colorectal cancer.
Highlights
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare syndrome that belongs to the group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
It is important to check the exacerbation of DM symptoms, as this symptom sometimes preceded cancer relapse during the follow-up of our patient with DM and colorectal cancer
Malignancies are usually diagnosed within a year from the onset of myopathy, and the extent of DM symptoms has been associated with the progression of metastatic diseases [5]
Summary
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare syndrome that belongs to the group of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. The patient was diagnosed with DM based on the presence of a heliotrope rash, Gottron’s papules, dysphagia, proximal muscle weakness, and raised muscle-associated enzyme levels; Jo-1 antibody was negative. He underwent medical examinations to evaluate the existence of accompanying malignant tumors. No evidence of the recurrence in the tumor marker, CT scan, and colonoscopy were observed 1 year postoperatively. The laboratory examination revealed elevated levels of creatine kinase (671 U/l), aspartate transaminase (122 IU/l), lactate dehydrogenase (525 IU/l), and carcinoembryonic antigens (6.5 ng/ml) Based on these findings, we suspected rectal cancer recurrence, and the CT scan revealed a 30-mm tumor in the segment 7 of the liver (Fig. 2c). No evidence of cancer recurrence and DM symptoms were observed 2 years after the hepatectomy
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