Abstract
Background
Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory myopathies causing proximal muscle weakness accompanied by muscular inflammation and skin rash. Dermatomyositis patients have a higher incidence of malignancy as compared to the general population.
Case Report
A 52-year-old known female patient with a toxic multi-nodular goiter presented with insidious onset of itchy erythematous rash on her neck and bilateral hands and progressive muscle weakness of 4 months’ duration. Associated with this, she had photosensitivity, and periorbital edema of 2 months’ duration. On physical examination, she had an anterior neck mass, proximal muscle weakness, periorbital edema, and violaceous skin rash on her bilateral arms, shoulders and neck. Thyroid function tests were normal, creatinine kinase was elevated, and muscle biopsy revealed inflammatory myositis. Ultrasound of the anterior neck mass and analysis of fine needle aspiration suggested thyroid cancer.
Conclusion
A high index of clinical suspicion is usually required for early diagnosis of dermatomyositis in resource-limited settings in order to prevent adverse outcomes and identify associated malignancies.
Ethical Approval
Our institution does not demand ethical approval for reporting individual case reports.
Consent for Publication
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. A copy of the written consent is available for review by the editor in-chief of this journal.
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all medical personnel who looked after the patient.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest in this work.