Wound management in end-stage dermatomyositis: a case report

Little has been written about the challenges in wound healing presented by rare cases of dermatomyositis (DM) complicated by glucocorticoid use. The authors explore the clinical presentation of a 60-year-old female patient with end-stage DM, chronic steroid use and delayed wound healing, requiring surgical debridement of wounds and extensive calcification removal. Her atypical presentation-lacking some of the characteristic dermal and antibody findings-is described, while also highlighting calcification and wound trials that complicated management. The underlying pathophysiology of effects on capillary networks is discussed, as well as the effectiveness of various treatment modalities, including steroids, antimetabolites and biologics, some of which were used. The report concludes with opportunities for future study on the disease's complex mechanisms.