1984 Volume 26 Issue 12 Pages 2426-2431
A 50-years-old female was admitted in November, 1982, complaining of edema over her lower limbs and tarry stools. She had suffered from dermatomyositis since 1980. On admission, fluctuation was palpable in the abdominal region, chest X-ray showed massive pleural effusion bilaterally, and laboratory finding showed anemia. On endoscopic exami nation of the esophagus, varices were seen in the lower part. The findings of abdominal CT scan and liver scintigram (99mTc phytate) suggested marked liver cirrhosis. As there was no evidence of malignancy in any examinations and tests, we concluded that her episodes were induced by the late stage of liver cirrhosis. This case suggests the impor tance of active investigation on the liver in patients with dermatomyositis, although it is extremely rare.
