Novel gastrointestinal tract manifestations in juvenile dermatomyositis

We report a case of juvenile dermatomyositis in which a dilated atonic esop hagus was associated with delayed gastric emptying and intestinal mucosal t hickening, resulting in a radiographic "stacked coin" appearance. These fin dings, which can also occur in infectious, neoplastic, or other immune-medi ated diseases, broaden the spectrum of gastrointestinal tract manifestation s in juvenile dermatomyositis. Physicians should be alert fbr these treatab le manifestations in children with myositis who present with unexplained ga strointestinal symptoms, which are reversible with immunosuppressive therap y.