Challenges in Recognizing Dermatological Findings of Dermatomyositis in Darker Skin patients: A Case Report
Iryna Mitelman1, Hesham Kelani2, Emina Dzafic3, Srikanth Adidam Venkata4, Selvalakshmi Rathinavelu5, Nataly Mor4, Helene Clervius6, Artem Sunik4, Amit Khaneja7, Arthur Kay8, David Lerner6, Lisa Merlin9
1Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University At One Brooklyn Health, 2Neurology, SUNY Downstate Health Science University At One Brooklyn Health, 3Touro college of Osteopathic Medicine, 4Department of Neurology, 5Department of Neuroloy, SUNY Downstate Health sciences UniversityAt One Brooklyn Health, 6SUNY Downstate Health Science UniversityAt One Brooklyn Health, 7SUNY Downstate Health Science UniversityAt One Brooklyn Health Downstate Health Sciences University At One Brooklyn Health, 8SUNY Downstate Health Science UniversityAt One Brooklyn Health Downstate Health Science UniversityAt One Brooklyn Health Downstate Health Sciences University At One Brooklyn Health, 9SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Background:
Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune myopathy, characterized by muscle fiber necrosis and inflammatory infiltrates in the perimysium, manifesting as proximal muscle weakness and myalgias. Dermatological findings are common, with characteristic heliotrope rash, Gottron papules, and poikiloderma. These findings are frequently missed in populations with darker skin tones, leading to increased time to diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
Results:
57 year old African-American female with prior medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma, and osteoarthritis presented to the hospital with four months of increasing muscle weakness and pain. She had previously been evaluated at a different hospital one month prior, after she lost the ability to ambulate without a walker, where she received no concrete diagnosis and had minimal improvement in her condition. Patient presented to our institution after she suffered from a fall due to worsening symptoms. Upon admission, it was noted that the patient had hyperpigmentation on the DIP and PIP joints consistent with Gottron papules, and facial hyperpigmentation, raising concern for dermatomyositis. Additional findings included bilateral upper and lower extremity weakness (proximal greater than distal), and work up showed leukopenia, elevated CK, highly positive ANA/RF. Thigh biopsy showing necrotic myofibers with foci of perifascicular atrophy, and positive HLA Class I immunohistochemistry. Over the course of admission, the patient was treated with steroids, IVIG, and mycophenolate mofetil, as well as daily PT sessions. Her symptoms gradually improved, with increased strength and independence in ambulation. Patient was discharged to a rehabilitation center with rheumatological follow up.
Conclusions:
Recognizing pathognomonic signs early in the course of disease can be critical in preventing long term complications and improving patient outcomes. Dermatological findings are frequently missed in patients with darker skin tones, underscoring the importance of thorough physical examinations and expanding medical education to expose physicians to a wide array of disease presentations.
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