Dermatomyositis. Presented by Dr. Carl T. Nelson.
A white boy aged 15 is presented from the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center with dermatitis, muscular weakness, and joint pains of two years' duration.
The patient has had various manifestations of allergy since the age of 5 months, when atopic dermatitis developed. This was later followed by bouts of allergic rhinitis and bronchitis, as well as sporadic recurrences of the dermatitis. Sensitivity to animal dander, chocolate, eggs, and wheat was established.
In December, 1954, an erythematous, slightly scaly, and mildly pruritic eruption appeared on the face, arms, shoulders, knees, and elbows. Joint pain and some swelling were noted. In the spring of 1955 weakness of the legs and arms and tenderness of several muscle groups developed. Therapy with Meticorten, 5 mg. daily, brought resolution of the joint pain and swelling but had no apparent effect on the eruption. Weakness increased, neces