Juvenile dermatomyositis: an atypical presentation.

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare disease of unknown etiology that results in inflammation of the connective tissue of striated muscle, subcutaneous tissue, nail beds, and skin. Although JDM is a rare disease, occurring in 3 per 1 million children, it is the most common idiopathic, inflammatory, myopathic disease of childhood. A case example is provided that describes an atypical presentation of JDM. Information about the disease, the usual and unusual clinical manifestations, the diagnostic processes, and therapeutic management plans for JDM are presented. Results of a comparison between this case and the literature are discussed, along with implications for nurse practitioners.