Thrombotic microangiopathy and Purtscher-like retinopathy as a rare presentation of juvenile dermatomyositis

Pediatrics. 2012 Mar;129(3):e821-4. doi: 10.1542/peds.2011-0338. Epub 2012 Feb 6.

Abstract

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare systemic vasculopathy that may sometimes present with acute complications. We report here the case of a 7-year-old boy with severe dermatomyositis associated with thrombocytopenia and blurry vision. The presence of schistocytosis and the secondary occurrence of hemolytic anemia were consistent with a diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Further investigations demonstrated the association of TTP with muscular microangiopathy and Purtscher-like retinopathy. Retinal and hematologic involvements dramatically improved after the initiation of plasma exchange in emergency. This report emphasizes that early recognition of TTP and prompt plasmapheresis are important in a child with severe juvenile dermatomyositis associated with thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Child
  • Dermatomyositis / diagnosis*
  • Dermatomyositis / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Plasmapheresis / methods
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / diagnosis*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / pathology
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / therapy*
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Retinal Diseases / pathology
  • Retinoscopy / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Prednisone

Supplementary concepts

  • Amyopathic dermatomyositis