Pathogenesis (disease development)
The exact causes of dermatomyositis have not yet been determined. Genetic factors (HLA associations) and pathologic autoimmunologic processes have been demonstrated to date. This is supported by the fact that autoantibodies or immune complex deposits in the vessels can be detected in some of the affected individuals.
Etiology (Causes)
Biographic Causes
- Genetic burden
- For all idiopathic myositides in haplotypes HLA-B8, HLA DRB 03.
- For juvenile and adult dermatomyositis in haplotypes HLA-A68, HLA-DR3.
In the presence of autoimmune disposition, the following provoking factors (triggers) may be considered:
- Muscle strain
- Viral infections (coxsackie, picorna viruses).
- Medications (rare):
- Allopurinol (urostatic drug/for treatment of elevated uric acid levels).
- Antimalarials such as chloroquine
- D-penicillamine (antibiotic)
- Interferon alpha (antiviral and antitumor effects).
- Procainamide (local anesthetic)
- Simvastatin (statins; lipid-lowering drugs)
- If necessary, others, see under differential diagnoses / drugs.
- UV irradiation
Other causes
- Rhinoplasty (rhinoplasty; nose correction) with filler application (liquid silicone): after 22 years, dermatomyositis occurred after injection of liquid silicone (= ASIA (autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants)).
