Cancer-Associated Myositis: A Case Report & Review of the Literature

Conclusion

This was an interesting case of cancer-associated dermatomyositis associated with an undifferentiated neuroendocrine carcinoid tumor with bilateral ovarian and bowel involvement. The flushing rash of carcinoid can mimic the rash of dermatomyositis, particularly the V sign.

With the identification of new autoantibodies in the inflammatory myopathies, more associations will be made. We must continue to try to determine which of these novel antibodies are associated with cancer-associated dermatomyositis. We must also continue to recognize the variety of malignancies associated with this condition. Finally, more research into how to screen these patients for cancer is needed.

Osman Bhatty, MD, is a chief resident at Montefiore Medical Center Wakefield Campus, Bronx, N.Y.

Rouhin Sen, MD, is a chief resident at Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.

Joseph Nahas, MD, is an academic rheumatologist and internal medicine program director at Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Neb.

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