A Case of Dermatomyositis Presenting with Rhabdomyolysis

ABSTRACT

Rhabdomyolysis is caused by injury to skeletal muscle and it involves leakage of intracellular contents into the plasma. Rhabdomyolysis is an extremely rare manifestation of dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis is a rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathy that is characterized by chronic inflammation of skeletal muscles and skin, resulting in muscle weakness. A 20 year old Korean male soldier presented with acute muscle pain, weakness and skin rashes over the face, neck and anterior chest. He received military training with carrying a radio set one week previouslyago. The patient was treated for rhabdomyolysis. However, the patient's symptoms did not improve. Muscle biopsy results suggested the diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis. Nevertheless, the features of skin and muscle inflammation raised the possibility of dermatomyositis. High dose steroid treatment was started, and then the symptoms and signs of muscle inflammation were improved. Rhabdomyolysis as the presenting sign of dermatomyositis has not been reported in Korea. Thus, we report on this case with a literature review.