2024 Volume 6 Issue 2 Pages 39-42
Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM), particularly that associated with positive anti-MDA5 antibody status, is linked to rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia and has a poor prognosis, thus prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Although CADM does not typically present with myositis, skin manifestations often serve as diagnostic triggers. The diagnosis becomes straightforward when typical skin symptoms such as a heliotrope rash and Gottron's signs are recognized. However, if an atypical skin lesion manifests as an initial symptom, CADM may not be considered, leading to a delayed diagnosis. Here, we report a case of anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis with an erysipelas-like rash on the right side of the face as the initial symptom. Because it took 3 months to establish the diagnosis, we also explored the factors that contributed to the diagnostic delay,.
