Pediatric Patient with Heliotrope Rash and Proximal Muscle Weakness

Abstract

Patients presenting with progressive muscle weakness, who are otherwise ambulatory, may be difficult to evaluate. The differential diagnoses for a pediatric patient with progressively worsening weakness, heliotrope rash, joint pain, and fatigue can be broad. This case challenge highlights the case of an 8-year-old girl who presents with the aforementioned symptoms and will review important items in the history and physical examination to consider when narrowing this list of differentials. Diagnostic evaluation, management, and patient and family teaching are reviewed.