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Didona D, Solimani F, Caposiena Caro RD, Sequeira Santos AM, Hinterseher J, Kussini J, Cunha T, Hertl M, Didona B. Dermatomyositis: a comprehensive review of clinical manifestations, serological features, and therapeutic approaches. Ital J Dermatol Venerol 2023; 158:84-98. [PMID: 37153943 DOI: 10.23736/s2784-8671.23.07458-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune disorder, which belongs to a group of rare autoimmune dermatoses characterized by different skin features and variable muscle involvement. We recognize four main variants of DM: classic DM, clinically amyopathic DM, paraneoplastic DM, and juvenile DM. Clinically, patients show several skin features, but heliotrope rash, and violaceous papules located at the interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joints (Gottron's papules) are the most frequently observed. Together with skin features, patients show muscle involvement, most commonly with symmetrical weakness of the proximal muscles. DM belongs to the facultative paraneoplastic dermatoses and a wide range of solid or hematologic malignancies can be detected in DM patients. Serologically, a wide range of autoantibodies can be detected in patients with DM. Indeed, distinct serotypes can be related to specific phenotypes with specific clinical features, carrying a different risk for systemic involvement and for malignancies. Systemic corticosteroids are still considered the first-line approach, but several steroid-sparing agents, such as methotrexate, azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil, have been reported as effective in treating DM. Furthermore, new class of drugs, such as monoclonal antibodies, purified immunoglobulins or Janus kinase inhibitors are becoming more relevant in the clinical practice or are currently under investigation. In this work, we aim to offer a clinical overview of the diagnostic workout, the characteristics of DM variants, the role of autoantibodies in DM, and the management of this life-threatening systemic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Didona
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany -
| | - Farzan Solimani
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin BIH, Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Julia Hinterseher
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Kussini
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tomas Cunha
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Biagio Didona
- Department of Dermatology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata (IDI)-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Mano T, Soyama S, Sugie K. Improvement in Tongue Pressure Precedes Improvement in Dysphagia in Dermatomyositis. Clin Pract 2022; 12:797-802. [PMID: 36286069 PMCID: PMC9600123 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract12050083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysphagia is known to occur in patients with dermatomyositis. However, the sudden-onset dysphagia without other symptoms can make diagnosis and treatment challenging. Two patients who did not have a severe muscle weakness complained of the sudden inability to swallow solids and liquids. The muscle biopsy results showed the perifascicular atrophy, and the patients were diagnosed with dermatomyositis. Videofluoroscopy revealed an inadequate pharyngeal contraction and a decreased upper esophageal sphincter opening with silent aspiration. Both patients showed low tongue pressures. Patient 1 received intravenous and oral methylprednisolone, and patient 2 received intravenous immunoglobulin in addition to intravenous and oral methylprednisolone. Several months after the onset of the dysphagia, the swallowing function of both patients improved. The improvement in tongue pressure preceded an improvement in the subjective and objective measurements of dysphagia. In conclusion, tongue pressure may be useful for predicting early improvement in swallowing function.
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