Recurrent pneumomediastinum in adult dermatomyositis

A muscle biopsy established the diagnosis of dermatomyositis in a 22-year-old woman with normal muscle enzyme levels, 18 months after she presented with constitutional symptoms, a rash and polyarthritis. Her subsequent course was complicated by cutaneous ulcers with histological changes suggesting v...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of rheumatology Vol. 16; no. 3; p. 384
Main Authors Cicuttini, F M, Fraser, K J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Canada 01.03.1989
Subjects
Adult
Arthritis - complications
Cyclophosphamide - therapeutic use
Dermatomyositis - complications
Dermatomyositis - therapy
Female
Humans
Mediastinal Emphysema - etiology
Mediastinal Emphysema - therapy
Plasma Exchange
Pulmonary Fibrosis - complications
Pulmonary Fibrosis - therapy
Recurrence
Vasculitis - complications
Vasculitis - drug therapy
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Summary:A muscle biopsy established the diagnosis of dermatomyositis in a 22-year-old woman with normal muscle enzyme levels, 18 months after she presented with constitutional symptoms, a rash and polyarthritis. Her subsequent course was complicated by cutaneous ulcers with histological changes suggesting vasculitis, interstitial pulmonary involvement and recurrent pneumomediastinum, the latter being recently reported in 2 other cases of dermatomyositis. Cutaneous vasculitis has been present in all cases and it is suggested that the pneumomediastinum may be due to pulmonary vasculitis.
ISSN:0315-162X