Toxoplasmosis Appearing to Be Dermatomyositis

A case of toxoplasmosis occurred simultaneously with dermatomyositis in a 12-year-old boy. The patient was treated with sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine; within two weeks after initiating therapy, dramatic clinical improvement was noted. Several previous cases of toxoplasmosis occurring in association with polymyositis have been described in the literature. A serologic investigation for Toxoplasma infection might prove to be of value in establishing the cause of dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Moreover, in selected cases of dermatomyositis or polymyositis, treatment with sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid may be a valuable alternative to the use of steroids and immunosuppressive agents.