Rheumatology Commons^™

Dermatomyositis- Related Intestinal Dysmotility, Christine Loftis, Rosa White, Emilia C. Dulgheru

School of Medicine Publications and Presentations

Dermatomyositis (DM) is an inflammatory myopathy (IIM) characterized by proximal muscle weakness and pathognomonic skin lesions. A 69-year-old woman with a recent diagnosis of DM 1 month prior, treated with corticosteroids and immunomodulators, presented to our inpatient rehabilitation with worsening dysphagia and constipation. At the time of our evaluation, physical examination was notable for erythematous papules over the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, elbows, and knees as well as a violaceous rash on the face. Muscle strength was diminished bilaterally with proximal distribution being affected greater than distal. Laboratory studies were notable for the creatine kinase (CK) level of 31 …