Two Cases of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in Dermatomyositis / 대한류마티스학회지

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous pneumomediastnum has been reported only recently as a rare complication of dermatomyositis. We are reporting two cases of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in dermatomyositis. The diagnosis of dermatomyositis was based on the diagnostic criteria requiring symmetric weakness of limb-girdle muscles and anterior neck flexors, elevation of serum skeletal muscle enzymes, electromyograpic findings of inflammatory myopathy, positive findings on muscle biopsy and dermatologic features including heliotrope rash and Gottron s papule. Vasculitis may be the common denominator leading to the association of dermatomyositis and pneumomediasinum. In reported cases, the prognosis of pneumomediastinum seems unfavorable. Interestingly the 2 cases we are reporting resolved spontaneously without any recurrence.