A Case Report of Colon Cancer with Liver Metastasis in Patient with Dermatomyositis

Abstract

Dermatomyositis is associated with a high frequency of malignancy and characterized by a cutaneous paraneoplastic syndrome. An association between dermatomyositis and malignancy have been discussed. In this case report, a patient who had dermatomyositis and colon cancer with liver metastasis is described. A 58-year-old male with dermatomyositis was admitted to our hospital in order to examine the malignancy. Stool specimens were positive for occult blood and the serum CEA level was high. Colon examination and abdominal CT scanning indicated colon cancer with liver metastasis. Following successful surgical treatment, there was improvement in muscle strength and the aldolase level was normalized. Previous cases with malignancy were reviewed in order to investigate the association between dermatomyositis and malignancy. Seventeen cases of recent Japanese literature of dermatomyositis associated with colon cancer revealed that these symptoms were improved after surgery in most cases. These results suggested that colon cancer may cause dermatomyositis or may worsen dermatomyositis in some cases.