Dermatomyositis presenting with diffuse calcinosis

Madalyn Walsh; Brittany Bettendorf; Carleigh Zahn

doi:10.1136/bcr-2023-257288

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Dermatomyositis presenting with diffuse calcinosis

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Dermatomyositis presenting with diffuse calcinosis

Madalyn Walsh, Brittany Bettendorf and Carleigh Zahn

BMJ case reports, Vol.16(12), e257288

12/16/2023

DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257288

PMCID: PMC10728952

PMID: 38103899

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Abstract

We present the case of a woman in her early 50s who initially presented to an orthopedist for nodules located near the posterior knee. Imaging revealed diffuse subcutaneous calcifications and she was subsequently referred to rheumatology. Additional testing included myositis panel, electromyography (EMG) and muscle biopsy which indicated the presence of an inflammatory myopathy. It was determined that this patient had an uncommon presentation of dermatomyositis in which her primary complaint was calcinosis cutis. While rash and muscle weakness are often the symptoms most commonly associated with dermatomyositis, it is essential to have a wide differential for patients presenting with calcium deposition in soft tissues. This is particularly important in patients with certain antibodies, including the NXP-2 antibody, which can be associated with malignancy and should prompt an appropriate malignancy workup.

Calcinosis - complications

Calcinosis - diagnostic imaging

Dermatomyositis - complications

Dermatomyositis - diagnosis

Dermatomyositis - pathology

Female

Humans

Muscle Weakness - complications

Myositis - complications

Neoplasms

Details

Title: Subtitle: Dermatomyositis presenting with diffuse calcinosis
Creators: Madalyn Walsh - University of Iowa
Brittany Bettendorf - University of Iowa
Carleigh Zahn - University of Michigan
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: BMJ case reports, Vol.16(12), e257288
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-257288
PMID: 38103899
PMCID: PMC10728952
NLM abbreviation: BMJ Case Rep
eISSN: 1757-790X
Grant note: DOI: 10.13039/100015515, name: Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, award: NA
Language: English
Date published: 12/16/2023
Academic Unit: Immunology; Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984532055502771

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