Calcinosis universalis in adult-onset dermatomyositis

Abstract

A 67-year-old woman of African origin with dermatomyositis, diagnosed 18 years before, and dystrophic calcification known for 5 years, presented at follow-up consultation with fever, increased muscle weakness (scapular and pelvic chains) and gluteus pain, with spontaneous purulent drainage. She was under cyclosporine 100 mg, prednisolone 10 mg and biphosphonates (alendronic acid and cholecalciferol). Physical examination revealed calcinosis universalis, with lesions spread over the chin, forearms, hands, abdomen, buttocks, thighs and knees (figure 1A). Her left buttock presented an inflamed fluctuating abscess (figure 1 …