skip to main content

Calcinosis Treatment DM — SCE Rheumatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardMyositisCalcinosis Treatment DMSCE Rheumatology

A patient with dermatomyositis has painful, function-limiting calcinosis deposits at the elbows despite control of active inflammation. What is the best management principle?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Use coordinated symptom care and selected deposit excision

The best answer is “Use coordinated symptom care and selected deposit excision”. Evidence for drug treatment of established calcinosis is limited; care includes controlling active myositis, pain and wound management, rehabilitation, and selected surgery for focal disabling deposits. Glucocorticoids, allopurinol and bisphosphonates do not reliably dissolve established lesions, and deposits can ulcerate or become infected.

Reference: BSR idiopathic inflammatory myopathy guideline: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/61/5/1760/6555980