Lymphatic blockage and severe edema in dermatomyositis: lessons from this case and others

Abstract

Generalized subcutaneous edema is a rare presentation of dermatomyositis. Here, we describe the case of a 57 year-old Hispanic female who presented with dermatomyositis and generalized edema. This case represents the first report of decreased lymphatic drainage, investigated using lymphoscintigraphy in dermatomyositis. Upon reviewing the literature regarding dermatomyositis cases with generalized edema, we found that treatment response and imaging modalities such as lymphoscintigraphy may provide insight into underlying pathophysiology and possible disease management.