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An Underappreciated Physical Sign of Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Fred E. Ghali, MD; Leonard D. Stein, MD; Jo-David Fine, MD; E. Jeff Burkes, DDS; Daniel P. McCauliffe, MD

Arch Dermatol. 1999;135:1370-1374.

Background  MEDLINE searches (1966-June 1969) failed to identify references that give detailed descriptions of the oral manifestations of dermatomyositis (DM). However, several reports predating MEDLINE provided more complete descriptions of oral lesions associated with DM.

Observations  We describe 5 cases of juvenile DM with oral manifestations, primarily in the form of gingival telangiectases. These findings are compared with those descriptions found in earlier reports.

Conclusions  Oral lesions in juvenile DM have rarely been reported. Mucous membrane involvement associated with DM may include telangiectases, edema, erosions, ulcers, and leukoplakia-like areas. In cases of DM, gingival telangiectases likely represent an underappreciated diagnostic finding analogous to nail-fold telangiectases.

From the Departments of Dermatology (Drs Ghali, Fine, and McCauliffe), Pediatrics (Dr Stein), and Oral Pathology (Dr Burkes), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

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