Successful Treatment with Methotrexate and Azathioprine of Panniculitis in a Patient with Dermatomyositis: Case Report and Review of the Literature.
- Author:
Seong Rye SEO
1
;
Sung Ryoun LIM
;
Sung Ji LEE
;
Tae Jong KIM
;
Yong Wook PARK
;
Sook Jung YUN
;
Shin Seok LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Rheumatology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea. shinseok@chonnam.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Dermatomyositis;
Panniculitis;
Methotrexate;
Azathioprine
- MeSH:
Antigen-Antibody Complex;
Autoantibodies;
Autoimmune Diseases;
Azathioprine;
Biopsy;
Dermatomyositis;
Female;
Humans;
Inflammation;
Methotrexate;
Muscles;
Panniculitis;
Prednisolone;
Skin;
Subcutaneous Fat;
Upper Extremity
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2011;80(1):122-127
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease wherein autoantibodies and immune complexes cause non-suppurative inflammation in skin and muscle. Although the skin lesions of this disease are well known, the clinical and pathological features of subcutaneous fat lesions remain uncharacterized. Since Weber (1924) reported the development of panniculitis in a patient with dermatomyositis, 23 subsequent cases have been reported. Here, we present the case of a woman who had been diagnosed with dermatomyositis 7 years previously, and presented with diffuse, painful, indurated nodules on her face and upper limbs. A skin biopsy allowed us to diagnose these nodules as panniculitis. The patient was initially treated with high doses of prednisolone and methotrexate. She responded inadequately to these medications, so azathioprine was added to the regimen. The skin lesions subsequently improved and the patient has remained disease-free for 1 year. Here, we present the clinical profile of this patient and review the relevant literature.
