Common Misdiagnoses of Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is chronic, long-term inflammation of various muscles throughout the body that may include muscles in the lungs, esophagus and throat. Although the disorder is very rare, it is still treatable and symptoms can be controlled. In severe cases, the condition may result in serious complications, such as breathing problems, difficulty swallowing, gastrointestinal ulcerations, infection, lung cancer, malnutrition, pneumonia and pregnancy complications.

The cause of dermatomyositis is not yet known, but researchers believe the condition is an abnormal autoimmune reaction in which the body's immune system mistakes muscle cells as dangerous "invaders" and attacks the muscles and connective tissue. In addition to joint and muscle pains, other symptoms include muscle weakness in the upper shoulders, thighs and hips; and skin rashes. Because the condition affects the esophagus, not only will the sufferer experience breathing and swallowing difficulties, but may also experience difficulty speaking and a persistent cough.

Diagnoses of Dermatomyositis

Diagnosis for dermatomyositis involves a thorough physical examination to determine a pattern of afflicted muscles. This is generally followed by a blood test for muscle enzymes. The treating doctor may also order a muscle biopsy and electromyography. The biopsy tests actual muscle tissue while the electromyography quantitates muscle strength and evaluates surrounding nerves that control the muscles.

Therapy is based on the severity of the condition as well as the co-existence of other diseases. Other factors considered are the patient's age and medical history. The immediate goals of therapy are to relieve the pain and discomfort to maximize the patient's mobility and ability to function. The patient may need to be under the care of a neurologist and a rheumatologist who specializes in diseases and disorders of joints, muscles and connective tissues.

Common Misdiagnoses of Dermatomyositis

Misdiagnoses of dermatomyositis may occur if the doctor confuses the disease with other conditions, misses the symptoms and thereby delays needed treatment. Diseases that dermatomyositis is mistaken for include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lupus, myositis and neuropathy. Because of the possibility involvement of diseases such as lung cancer, a delay in diagnosing dermatymositis can be catastrophic if not fatal. Other complications that may arise due to a delay in a diagnosis are progression of the muscle weakness and respiratory failure in some instances.

Talk with an Attorney

If you have suffered injury due to complications from misdiagnosed dermatomyositis, you have the right to damages to compensate you for your injury. Damages include actual losses such as the extra medical expenses you've incurred as well as the lost wages from time off from work. In some cases, you may even recover for the undue pain and suffering. Talk with an attorney experienced with medical malpractice cases to discuss your possible compensation.