Severe Dermatomyositis Research Articles

Response to total body irradiation in dermatomyositis

There were two patients with severe dermatomyositis refractory to immunosuppressive therapy treated with 150 rad of total body irradiation given over a period of 5 weeks. Both patients responded promptly with minimal side-effects and remain in partial remission 42 and 18 months after completion of the treatment. Total body irradiation is effective in some patients with dermatomyositis who are refractory to standard therapy.

Surgical Removal of Soft Tissue Calcifications in Dermatomyositis

A 16-year-old boy with severe dermatomyositis and generalized calcinosis universalis underwent surgical removal of a large calcium deposit of the sacral area that had become infected and was chronically draining. The surgical incision healed without complication and there has been no evidence of recurrence of the calcification one year postoperatively. It would appear that this lesion can be surgically removed with good results, and removal should be strongly considered for improved function or where chronic draining infection is a problem.