Dermatomyositis

Scleroedema

“…Although the histological changes in skin or muscle may be non-specific in both conditions in the early stages, in most cases characteristic changes eventually develop. The histological changes of dermatomyositis have been well described by Pagel et al (I949) and by Wainger and Lever (1949). Focal degenerative changes in voluntary and cardiac muscles, widespread fibrinoid degeneration in arteriolar walls and homogenization and fibrinoid degeneration of connective tissue are quite unlike the reversible connective tissue oedema of scleroedema.…”

Alimentary Granulomata and the Immune Response

“…Patients with dermatomyositis have a high incidence of stomatitis, glossitis and gastro-intestinal ulceration; hwmorrhage and perforation are frequent (Wainger and Lever,;1949;Domzalski and Morgan, I955). There is also a high incidence of malignant disease, including gastro-intestinal cancer, in this condition; the relationship is so constant that a continuing search for malignancy is indicated in every patient with dermatomyositis (Curtis, Blaylock and Harrell, 1952;Dowling, '955).…”

Connective Tissue (Collagen) Diseases

“…Characteristic, although nonspecific lesions were described in skin (40,161), skeletal muscle (40,42,161,162), myocardium (163,164), gastro· Clinical and laboratory features.-The most common symptoms consist of weakness, muscular . stiffness, tenderness and wasting (symmetrical dis tribution in shoulder or pelvic girdle), any one of an extraordinary variety of skin eruptions, edema, and fever.…”