DERMATOMYOSITIS

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Abstract
Dermatomyositis, or primary polymyositis, is a rare disease of multiform character. The chief anatomic features of this syndrome are nonsuppurative inflammation and degeneration of many muscles or even of the entire skeletal musculature. The condition may set in acutely, with severe and rapidly progressive symptoms, or it may appear in comparatively chronic form, with mild symptoms and sometimes with complete or partial remissions. In any event, the outcome frequently is fatal, whereas recovery, when it occurs, is likely to be marked by residual muscular atrophy and permanent cutaneous changes. Between 1926 and 1939 40 cases of subacute and chronic dermatomyositis were observed at the Mayo Clinic. They constitute a group from which all doubtful, abortive or localized instances have been excluded. This study comprises an analysis of the unquestionable cases, including a review of the history and subsequent course, so far as we have been able to trace them. CLINICAL

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