Sarcoidosis and dermatomyositis in a patient with hemoglobin SC. A case report and literature review

Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis. 2000 Jun;17(2):190-3.

Abstract

Although sarcoidosis has occasionally been associated with hemoglobinopathies, its association with dermatomyositis is extremely rare. A 24 y/o African American male with hemoglobin SC disease developed proximal weakness. He had heliotrope rash, muscle weakness, elevated serum CK, myositis by EMG, and no malignancy. A muscle biopsy confirmed dermatomyositis. Two years later, he was hospitalized with constitutional and respiratory symptoms and parotid enlargement. Chest X-ray and CT scan showed diffuse micronodular infiltration in both lungs and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A transbronchial lung biopsy revealed non-caseating granulomata consistent with sarcoidosis. AFB and fungal stains and cultures were negative. Thus, in this case, sarcoidosis developed after or in association with dermatomyositis. A review of world's literature showed five other non-identical cases of dermatomyositis associated with sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Dermatomyositis / complications*
  • Dermatomyositis / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Hemoglobin SC Disease / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lung / pathology
  • Male
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / complications*
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / physiopathology