Symptoms & Signs
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle weakness, stiffness, or soreness
- Purple or violet colored upper eyelids
- Purple-red skin rash
- Shortness of breath
The muscle weakness may appear suddenly or develop slowly over weeks or months. You may have difficulty raising your arms over your head, rising from a sitting position, and climbing stairs.
The rash may appear over the face, knuckles, neck, shoulders, upper chest, and back.
Diagnosis & Tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
- Bloods test to check levels of creatine phosphokinase and aldolase
- ECG
- Electromyography
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Muscle biopsy
-
Dermatomyositis : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Dermatomyositis : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Dermatomyositis : Treatment
Review Date : 2/5/2009
Reviewed By : Jonathan Kantor, MD, North Florida Dermatology Associates, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
