CASE REPORT

A case of dermatomyositis complicated with pneumomediastinum

Authors

Mika Terao¹, Kentaro Ozawa¹, Shigeki Inui¹, Hiroyuki Murota¹, Akinori Yokomi¹ and Satoshi Itami¹

1. Department of Dermatology, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan

Received:

06 October 2006

Accepted:

19 December 2006

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Abstract

We herein describe a 16-year-old boy with pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema as the initial symptoms of dermatomyositis (DM). His pneumomediastinum disappeared after strict bed rest and he was thereafter successfully treated with oral prednisolone and cyclosporine A. His condition was further complicated with mild interstitial lung disease, arrhythmia, and skin ulcers on his fingertips, right elbow, ear, and sacral region. Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of DM and its pathogenesis remains unclear. We review the literature and discuss the possible mechanism of this disease.

Key words

Dermatomyositis - Pneumomediastinum - Skin ulcer - Subcutaneous emphysema - Vasculopathy