Cholestasis in juvenile dermatomyositis - Report of three cases

This report describes 3 cases of juvenile dermatomyositis (juvenile DM) com plicated by cholestasis. All 3 patients had typical features of juvenile DM , and all developed a cholestatic syndrome within the initial months of the ir disease. Liver biopsy revealed mixed (cytoplasmic and ductal) cholestasi s with no abnormalities in the intrahepatic ducts in all 3 cases. Cholestas is improved or was completely reversible upon treatment with prednisone. In the 2 patients who could be followed up long term, no sequelae remained. T he possible role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of cholestasis in juve nile DM is discussed.