Which late complication of inadequately treated juvenile dermatomyositis appears as firm subcutaneous nodules and plaques, often over pressure points, and is best prevented by early aggressive immunosuppression?

• A Subcutaneous calcinosis ✓
• B Tophaceous gout
• C Rheumatoid nodulosis
• D Ectopic ossification around joints

Explanation

Calcinosis cutis, dystrophic calcium deposition in skin and subcutaneous tissue, develops in up to a third of children with juvenile dermatomyositis, particularly those with delayed or inadequate treatment and chronic active disease. Gouty tophi require chronic hyperuricemia, rheumatoid nodules occur in seropositive rheumatoid arthritis, and myositis ossificans follows direct trauma rather than inflammation.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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