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Information	Symptoms	Diagnosis	Treatment	Picture
Amyopathic	Juvenile	Polymyositis	Reaserch	Causes

Diagnosis of Dermatomyositis

It can be difficult to diagnosis because it may resemble many other diseases and varies from person to person. Dermatomyositis often involves a highly characteristic rash on the knuckles and over the upper eyelids, as well as over the cheeks. Measurement of blood levels of muscle enzymes, especially creatine phosphokinase and aldolase, is most useful in diagnosis and in assessing disease activity. An electromyogram (a study of muscle function) may also be done. A muscle biopsy is the only specific diagnostic study and is taken from an involved muscle.

Test used to diagnose Dermatomyositis

Blood tests for autoantibodies and muscle enzymes. A muscle enzyme test called creatine kinase, or CK, is most useful since the CK level tends to go up as the disease flares and down when it diminishes.

Electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical pattern of the muscles (like EKG of heart).

Muscle biopsy to see how muscle tissues have changed.

dermatomyositis picture

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