THE EFFECT OF PITUITARY ADRENOCORTICOTROPIN (ACTH) IN DERMATOMYOSITIS

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Abstract
A 30-yr.-old white adult male was successfully treated with ACTH in his 2d attack of acute dermatomyositis. The 1st attack occurred at age 23 and was severe and generalized with marked edema of the neck, which required a tracheotomy. It lasted for 6 mos. Recovery was complete except for contractures of the fingers. His 2d attack closely simulated the 1st one and the patient ran a high fever and had extensive muscle involvement. After one month of observation, at a time when he was becoming progressively worse, he was given ACTH (Armour). Improvement began within 6 hrs. and was progressive. Recovery was complete. 100 mg. a day was the max. dose. It was necessary to reduce the dose gradually to control the symptoms. There has been no recurrence in 4 months.