Novel gastrointestinal tract manifestations in juvenile dermatomyositis

Abstract

We report a case of juvenile dermatomyositis in which a dilated atonic esophagus was associated with delayed gastric emptying and intestinal mucosal thickening, resulting in a radiographic "stacked coin" appearance. These findings, which can also occur in infectious, neoplastic, or other immune-mediated diseases, broaden the spectrum of gastrointestinal tract manifestations in juvenile dermatomyositis. Physicians should be alert for these treatable manifestations in children with myositis who present with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, which are reversible with immunosuppressive therapy.