Gingival Telangiectases: An Underappreciated Physical Sign of Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Background MEDLINE searches (1966-June 1969) failed to identify references that give detailed descriptions of the oral manifestations of dermatomyositis (DM). However, several reports predating MEDLINE provided more complete descriptions of oral lesions associated with DM. Observations We describe 5 cases of juvenile DM with oral manifestations, primarily in the form of gingival telangiectases. These findings are compared with those descriptions found in earlier reports. Conclusions Oral lesions in juvenile DM have rarely been reported. Mucous membrane involvement associated with DM may include telangiectases, edema, erosions, ulcers, and leukoplakia-like areas. In cases of DM, gingival telangiectases likely represent an underappreciated diagnostic finding analogous to nail-fold telangiectases.