Photosensitivity and calcinosis cutis are the major clinical presentations in patients with juvenile and adult dermatomyositis.

Background Dermatomyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness and a distinctive dermatological rash. The objective of this study is to record all clinical presentations in patients with dermatomyositis but mainly dermatological manifestations. Methods This case series descriptive study included 23 patients with dermatomyositis who were seen during the period from 2014-2023. A full history and clinical examination were carried out. All patients were referred from the Rheumatology and Pediatric Units after doing a full assessment and necessary investigations. Results The juvenile group peak consisted of 13 patients, their ages ranged from 3-15 years with a mean of 5 years, 6 males and 7 females. The main clinical picture was photosensitivity with distinctive heliotrope facial rash in all patients, and calcinosis cutis in 8 (61.53%) cases The adult group included 10 subjects, their ages ranged from 30-60 years with a mean of 47 years, 9 females and one male patient. The presenting picture was skin rash in a form of photosensitivity with characteristic heliotrope of the face and muscle weakness of shoulder and pelvic girdles in all cases. No malignancy was reported. Conclusion There was no significant difference between both genders in children, however, it was more prevalent in adult females. The presenting features in the juvenile group were photosensitivity, a heliotrope rash of the face and calcinosis cutis. While photosensitivity with heliotrope dermatitis of the face and muscle weakness was sever in adults. No malignancy was detected during follow-ups in any patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]