A 77-year-old female, who suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism, developed severe muscle weakness.
Clinical features, blood results and muscle biopsy suggested a possible diagnosis of dermatomyositis. A computed tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis showed a solid mass in the left kidney. She underwent a left laparoscopic nephrectomy and histology confirmed conventional (clear cell) renal cell carcinoma. She recovered slowly and almost back to normal life after 6 months. Early appreciation of the typical skin rash may provide a clue to the diagnosis and screening for neoplasm may improve prognosis.
Written by:
Nevins E, Zayat AS, Browning AJ, Biyani CS, Jarrett S. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals, NHS Trust, Yorkshire, UK.
Reference: Urol Ann. 2013 Oct;5(4):299-301.
doi: 10.4103/0974-7796.120302
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24311917
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