[Dermatomyositis as a marker of lung cancer].
A 76-year-old female was referred because of violaceous dermatitis on sun-exposed skin. She had associated muscle weakness, dysphagia, dysarthria and reported an unintended weight loss. The clinical presentation gave a suspicion of dermatomyositis, and diagnostic procedures revealed a small-cell lung cancer. She was treated with prednisolone, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Despite intended curative treatment, she died of the cancer six months later. This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough examination for an underlying cancer, in patients diagnosed with dermatomyositis.
Petersen
Bibi
B
Odense Universitetshospital, Hudafdeling I og Allergicentret. petersenbibi@hotmail.com
Bygum
Anette
A
D000368:Aged; D003882:Dermatomyositis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D055752:Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology