DERMATOMYOSITIS IN ASSOCIATION WITH TUBULOVILLOUS ADENOMA - RESOLUTION AFTER RESECTION OF ADENOMA

Dermatomyositis (DM) has been associated with gastrointestinal maligna ncy but not with polyps or adenoma. We report a case of villous adenom a associated with DM. An 80-year-old white woman was referred for a ra sh of 2 months' duration that was suggestive of DM. On examination, Go ttron's papules and heliotrope rash were seen. Muscle strength was 4/5 in the proximal upper and lower extremities. Despite normal muscle en zyme values, electromyographic and nerve conduction studies were suppo rtive of the diagnosis of DM. DM was confirmed by deltoid muscle biops y. Heme-positive stool was seen on rectal examination. Colonoscopy rev ealed a large tubulovillous adenoma in the cecum, which was resected. The patient was given oral prednisone, 60 mg/day. Within 4 weeks after surgery, steroids were tapered to one third the original dose. Within 9 months, steroid therapy had been discontinued with no evidence of d isease activity.