DISCUSSION

Calcinosis cutis is an uncommon complication seen in severe forms of JDM. Blane et al 3 demonstrated 4 patterns of soft tissue calcification in JDM. Deep calcareal and deep linear calcifications were the most common form of calcinosis observed in JDM. The other 2 patterns are superficial calcareal and subcutaneous calcification. The exact mechanism of calcinosis cutis is not known. Mukamel et al 4 showed that there was macrophages and inflammatory markers such as interleukins 6 and 1, tumor necrosis factor α, and so on present in the areas with calcinosis crystals. These activated macrophages may release inflammatory markers that cause high calcium turnover and ultimately leading to dystrophic calcification.