Korean J Dermatol.  2002 Dec;40(12):1538-1542.

A Case of Dermatomyositis Associated with Esophageal Cancer showing Vesicular and Bullous Lesions

• Lee HS
• Choi HU
• Bae JH
• Lee SK

Abstract

Dermatomyositis is a rare inflammatory myopathy with characteristic skin manifestations and muscular weakness. Vesicle or bulla formation in the dermatomyositis is rare and probably related to the presence of an internal malignant process. We report a case of dermatomyositis associated with esophageal cancer in a 72-year old man who had vesicles and bullae on his arms. He had erythema and edema on the face, chest, abdomen, back and legs for 20 days. Tense vesicles and bullae were found on his forearms and hands. Diagnosis of dermatomyositis was established by clinical manifestations, muscle enzyme study, electromyogram and histopathological findings of the skin. Adenocarcinoma of esophagus was found by gastroendoscopy. He was treated with total esophagectomy and topical steroid, but died of pneumonia and septicemia.

Keyword

Dermatomyositis; Esophageal cancer; Vesicle or bulla

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Adenocarcinoma
Aged
Arm
Blister*
Dermatomyositis*
Diagnosis
Edema
Erythema
Esophageal Neoplasms*
Esophagectomy
Esophagus
Forearm
Hand
Humans
Leg
Muscle Weakness
Myositis
Pneumonia
Sepsis
Skin
Skin Manifestations
Thorax
Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation