Regression of calcinosis associated with adult dermatomyositis following diltiazem therapy

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Abstract
Sir, Widespread ectopic tissue calcification is an important complication of dermatomyositis, sometimes causing severe disability, even after remission of underlying myositis. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood and hence treatments have been largely empirical with inconsistent success. We report an adult patient with dermatomyositis, who, despite aggressive immunosuppressive therapy and remission of underlying myositis, has suffered increasing calcification. After commencing diltiazem, however, he showed an objective reduction in his calcification as judged by serial dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, and improvement in his clinical condition and function as assessed by health assessment questionnaires (HAQ).

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