An unusual pathologic feature associated with dermatomyositis

Neuromuscul Disord. 2006 Jun;16(6):391-3. doi: 10.1016/j.nmd.2006.03.013. Epub 2006 May 11.

Abstract

We present a case of juvenile dermatomyositis with unusual histopathologic findings. The child presented with a course consistent with dermatomyositis, a diagnosis confirmed by finding reticulotubular aggregates in endothelial cells on electron microscopy. However, histopathology of his muscle biopsy revealed a striking pattern of glycogen accumulation, to an extent similar to that seen in glycogen storage diseases; this degree of accumulation could potentially confound histopathologic diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dermatomyositis / diagnosis
  • Dermatomyositis / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Endothelium / pathology
  • Endothelium / ultrastructure
  • Glycogen / metabolism*
  • Glycogen Storage Disease / diagnosis
  • Glycogen Storage Disease / pathology
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / chemistry*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Reticular Formation / pathology
  • Reticular Formation / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Glycogen