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Copyright 1986, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
Synonyms of Dermatomyositis
- ADM
- Childhood dermatomyositis
- Idiopathic inflammatory myopathy
- IIM
- Polymyositis
Disorder Subdivisions
- Adult Dermatomyositis
- Dermatomyositis sine myositis
- Juvenile (Childhood) Dermatomyositis (JDMS)
General Discussion
Dermatomyositis is a progressive connective tissue disorder characterized by inflammatory and degenerative changes of the muscles and skin. Associated symptoms and physical findings may vary widely from case to case. Muscle abnormalities may begin with aches and weakness of the muscles of the trunk, upper arms, hips, and thighs (proximal muscles). Muscles may be stiff, sore, and tender and, eventually, show signs of degeneration (atrophy). Affected individuals may experience difficulty in performing certain functions, such as raising their arms and/or climbing stairs. In addition, affected individuals may experience speech and swallowing difficulties.
Skin abnormalities associated with dermatomyositis often include a distinctive reddish-purple rash (heliotrope rash) on the upper eyelids, across the cheeks and bridge of the nose in a "butterfly" distribution, the forehead, or additional skin regions; scaling and degenerative (atrophic) changes of affected skin on the extending surfaces of the knuckles, elbows, knees, and/or other regions (Gottron's sign); an abnormal accumulation of fluid (edema) in body tissues surrounding the eyes; and/or other features.
The symptoms of childhood dermatomyositis are similar to those associated with the adult form of the disorder. However, onset is usually more sudden. In addition, abnormal accumulations of calcium deposits (calcifications) in muscle and skin tissues as well as involvement of the digestive (gastrointestinal [GI]) tract are more common in the childhood form of dermatomyositis.
Although the exact cause of dermatomyositis is not known, it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.
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Organizations related to Dermatomyositis
- American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe MI 48021
Phone #: 586-776-3900
800 #: 800-598-4668
e-mail: aarda@aarda.org
Home page: http://www.aarda.org/
- Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta GA 30357-0669
Phone #: 404-965-7627
800 #: 800-283-7800
e-mail: arthritisfoundation@arthritis.org
Home page: http://www.arthritis.org
- AutoImmunity Community
None
None None None
Phone #: (91-9) -552-9057
800 #: N/A
e-mail: bandrews@autoimmunitycommunity.org
Home page: http://autoimmunitycommunity.org
- Autoimmune Information Network, Inc
PO Box 4121
Brick NJ 08723
Phone #: 732-664-9259
800 #: N/A
e-mail: autoimmunehelp@aol.com
Home page: http://www.aininc.org
- Child Neurology Foundation
2000 West 98th Street
Bloomington MN 55431
Phone #: 952-641-6100
800 #: 800-263-5430
e-mail: jstone@childneurologyfoundation.org
Home page: http://www.childneurologyfoundation.org
- European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID)
c/o Dr. Bodo Grimbacher (ESID Board Member)
Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Department of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg
Hugstetter Strasse 55
Freiburg None D-79106
Phone #: +31- 73--6992965
800 #: N/A
e-mail: info@esid.org
Home page: http://www.esid.org
- Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
Phone #: 301-251-4925
800 #: 888-205-2311
e-mail: ordr@od.nih.gov
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx
- MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay WI 54301-1243
Phone #: 920-336-5333
800 #: 877-336-5333
e-mail: mums@netnet.net
Home page: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
- Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles CA 90024
Phone #: 310-264-0826
800 #: N/A
e-mail: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
Home page: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org
- Muscular Dystrophy Association
3300 E. Sunrise Dr
Tucson AZ 85718
Phone #: 520-529-2000
800 #: 800-344-4863
e-mail: mda@mdausa.org
Home page: http://www.mdausa.org
- Myositis Association
1737 King Street
Suite 600
Alexandria VA 22314
Phone #: 703-299-4850
800 #: 800-821-7356
e-mail: tma@myositis.org
Home page: http://www.myositis.org
- Myositis Support Group
146 Newtown Road
Woolston, Southampton
Hampshire Intl S019 9HR
Phone #: 023- 80- 449708
800 #: --
e-mail: enquiries@myositis.org.uk
Home page: http://www.myositis.org.uk
- Myositis Support Group at the Hospital for Special Surgery
Hospital for Special Surgery
Department of Social Work Programs
535 East 70th Street
New York NY 10021
Phone #: 212-774-7623
800 #: N/A
e-mail: fischbeins@hss.edu
Home page: http://www.hss.edu/myositisgroup
- NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda MD 20892-3675
Phone #: 301-495-4484
800 #: 877-226-4267
e-mail: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Home page: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info
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