A Case of Dermatomyositis Associated with Esophageal Cancer
- Author:
Jinsu LEE
1
;
Gi-Wook LEE
;
Jun-Oh SHIN
;
Dongyoung ROH
;
Jungsoo LEE
;
Kihyuk SHIN
;
Hoonsoo KIM
;
Hyun-Chang KO
;
Moon-Bum KIM
;
Byungsoo KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2024;62(9):523-526
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by distinct skin rash and muscle weakness. Approximately 15%∼30% DM cases present as a paraneoplastic syndrome often associated with an underlying malignancy. Herein, we report the case of a 60-year-old male recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer and exhibited symptoms of DM. The patient presented with generalized muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash persisting for 3 months. Muscle weakness initially manifested in the proximal arms and later progressed to the proximal legs. In addition, the patient experienced difficulty in swallowing food. Clinical, laboratory, histological, and imaging assessments confirmed the diagnosis of DM associated with esophageal cancer. Notably, both DM and esophageal cancer can cause dysphagia. Therefore, accurate differentiation of dysphagia resulting from malignancy from that resulting from DM is pivotal in the diagnostic process.