Dermatomyositis in association with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder

• Published in: Clinical and experimental dermatology Vol. 24; no. 2; pp. 94 - 96
• Main Authors: MALLON, E, OSBORNE, G, DINNEEN, M, LANE, R. J. M, GLASER, M, BUNKER, C. B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford BSL Blackwell Science Ltd 01.03.1999; Blackwell; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell - complications; Dermatomyositis - etiology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Paraneoplastic Syndromes - etiology; Tumors of the urinary system; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms - complications; Urinary tract. Prostate gland; Human; Immunopathology; Connective tissue disease; Skin disease; Urinary system disease; Carcinoma; Dermatomyositis; Autoimmune disease; Malignant tumor; Case study; Striated muscle disease; Urinary bladder; Systemic disease; Paraneoplastic syndrome; Elderly
• ISSN: 0307-6938; 1365-2230
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2230.1999.00415.x

We report a case of dermatomyositis occurring in association with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The case illustrates the importance of a thorough search for neoplasms in elderly patients with dermatomyositis and is a reminder that bladder cancer may be a rare cause of dermatomyositis. The case also shows that successful treatment of an underlying tumour may lead to resolution of paraneoplastic dermatomyositis, and relapse of cutaneous and muscle symptoms and signs may indicate recurrence of tumour.