Dermatomyositis in Focus: Clinical-Radiological Correlation

Abstract

We report the case of a 44-year-old woman who presented with proximal muscle weakness in the shoulder and pelvic girdles, accompanied by malar erythema, periorbital edema, and violaceous papules over the interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints. Laboratory tests revealed markedly elevated creatine phosphokinase levels (5,238 U/L; reference range 26–192 U/L). Magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulders and hips demonstrated diffuse, bilateral muscle edema involving multiple muscles of the shoulder and pelvic girdles, consistent with inflammatory myopathy. Based on clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, a diagnosis of dermatomyositis was established, and systemic corticosteroid therapy was initiated. This case highlights the importance of clinico-radiological correlation for early diagnosis and assessment of disease extent.