Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adult dermatomyositis.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum has not been reported in adult polymyositis or dermatomyositis, either in conjunction with spontaneous pneumothorax or in isolation. Spontaneous pneumothorax has been rarely reported as a complication of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, and childhood dermatomyositis. It is associated with active, progressive pulmonary involvement and a poor prognosis. We describe an adult with dermatomyositis and spontaneous pneumomediastinum with a favourable outcome.