Extensive skin ulcers in a child with juvenile dermatomyositis

Abstract

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a multisystemic disorder. Vasculitic ulcers in JDM have been reported to involve axilla, elbow or extensor surfaces of other joints. We report a young boy with JDM who presented with extensive cutaneous ulcers involving scrotum, prepuce, gluteal region, neck, bilateral axilla, periumbilical area and bilateral elbows and popliteal fossa. His disease course was marked by several relapses and he required immunosuppression with prednisolone, subcutaneous methotrexate and intravenous cyclophosphamide. His muscle weakness improved and skin ulcers healed after 6 months of intensive immunosuppressive therapy. Children with JDM and ulcers often show increased resistance to immunosuppressive therapy. Extensive cutaneous ulcers in JDM, especially those involving the scrotum, have never been described. Awareness regarding the uncommon manifestations is important to guide appropriate therapy.