Routine vs Extensive Malignancy Search for Adult Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis

Abstract

DERMATOMYOSITIS (DM), a rare inflammatory myopathic disorder characterized by proximal, symmetric muscle weakness and specific skin lesions, has been associated with an increased incidence of malignancies, although the exact risk and incidence in these patients is controversial.^1-4 In almost two thirds of all patients, there is a close temporal relationship between the diagnosis of myositis and the diagnosis of malignancy, suggesting that the 2 processes are linked.