Musculoskeletal CT Appearances
Dermatomyositis CT Findings
- Soft tissue thickening
- Soft tissue calcification
- Enlargement of the pectoralis major muscle
- Enlargement of the muscles along the abdominal wall
Other Information About Dermatomyositis
Etiology:
- Unknown
- May be genetic
Epidemiology:
- More common in females
- Bimodal: typically presents in childhood or at age 40-70
Presentation:
- Muscle weakness
- Skin rash that may be painful or itchy
- Red or purple knuckles, elbows, knees, and/or toes (“Gottron's papules”)
- Swollen eyelids with red or purple rash (“Heliotrope rash”)
- Calcinosis
- Alopecia
Prognosis:
- There is no cure for dermatomyositis but symptoms can be managed
- Dermatomyositis may be associated with more life-threatening conditions