Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum in dermatomyositis: a case report

The patient to be presented here was a 44-year-old man who was admitted with the muscle weakness, cough, weight loss, and dyspnea. He was a known case of dermatomyositis since 4 months ago. The characteristic features of his condition included with the purpuric cutaneous scaling rash, heliotrope rash Gottron’s papules, shawl sign, dyspnea and 25 kg weight loss. Thoracic computed tomography revealed ground glass opacities and pneumomediastinum. The patient was diagnosed with dermatomyositis. pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema were observed as well. Despite intensive immunosuppressive therapy, clinical deterioration and radiological progression were observed and the patient died...