Cholestasis in juvenile dermatomyositis: report of three cases

Arthritis Rheum. 2001 May;44(5):1139-42. doi: 10.1002/1529-0131(200105)44:5<1139::AID-ANR195>3.0.CO;2-M.

Abstract

This report describes 3 cases of juvenile dermatomyositis (juvenile DM) complicated by cholestasis. All 3 patients had typical features of juvenile DM, and all developed a cholestatic syndrome within the initial months of their disease. Liver biopsy revealed mixed (cytoplasmic and ductal) cholestasis with no abnormalities in the intrahepatic ducts in all 3 cases. Cholestasis improved or was completely reversible upon treatment with prednisone. In the 2 patients who could be followed up long term, no sequelae remained. The possible role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of cholestasis in juvenile DM is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biopsy
  • Child
  • Cholestasis / complications*
  • Cholestasis / pathology
  • Dermatomyositis / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology