Summarized Review on Dermatomyositis: Demonstrating Modes of Diagnosis & Current Therapeutic Managements

Abstract

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by distinctive skin lesions, specific autoantibodies, and, most importantly, subacute symmetrical proximal muscle weakness and inflammation. Clinically amyopathic DM is a type of DM that presents with only characteristic skin lesions and no muscle disease. Heliotrope rash, erythematous rash over the face, erythematous scaly papules over the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints (Gottron's papules), erythema over the same joints (Gottron's sign), photosensitive pruritic erythema over the anterior chest and neck (V-sign), erythema extending to the shoulders and malignancy, respiratory disease, and cardiac disease are all causes of mortality and morbidity in dermatomyositis. Depending on the patient's parameters, management may include photoprotection and medications such as systemic corticosteroids, antimalarials, mycophenolate mofetil, biologicals, and IV immunoglobulins. Keywords: dermatomyositis, Gottron’s papules, heliotrope rash, inflammatory myopathy.