ENDOMYOCARDIAL BIOPSY FINDINGS IN A PATIENT WITH POLYMYOSITIS-DERMATOMYOSITIS

Endomyocardial biopsy pathology in a patient with dermatomyositis cardiac involvement is reported. Clinical findings included acute heart failure and ischemic and conduction changes on electrocardiogram. Light microscopy showed focal myocyte necrosis without inflammation or fibrosis and prominent myocyte vacuolization. Electron microscopy confirmed the focal, acute myocyte necrosis and demonstrated nonspecific myocyte degeneration. Despite nonspecific morphologic findings, endomyocardial biopsy confirmed myocardial abnormalities associated with dermatomyositis and supported the use of aggressive antiinflammatory therapy, which resulted in a favorable clinical outcome.