RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Case report: severe central nervous system involvement in juvenile dermatomyositis. JF The Journal of Rheumatology JO J Rheumatol FD The Journal of Rheumatology SP 2059 OP 2063 VO 30 IS 9 A1 Elisabeth F Elst A1 Sylvia S M Kamphuis A1 Berent J Prakken A1 Nicolas M Wulffraat A1 Janjaap van der Net A1 A C Boudewyn Peters A1 Wietse Kuis YR 2003 UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/30/9/2059.abstract AB We present 3 patients with juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and severe central nervous system (CNS) complications. All patients had at least 4 positive criteria of Bohan and Peter, which confirmed a definite diagnosis of JDM. They were all male, and had a relatively high creatinine kinase value at admission (1532-4260 U/l). Besides, progressive proximal muscle weakness and rash, one patient presented with rapid irreversible decline of vision. Ophthalmologic examination showed active vasculitis of the retina. After 2 weeks of treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and being in improved, relatively stable clinical condition, all 3 patients developed generalized tonic-clonic convulsions. Other causes of the neurological symptoms could be excluded. In all 3 patients, the course of JDM was fatal. The clinical symptoms and further investigations in our patients show CNS involvement in JDM. Although rarely reported, CNS vasculopathy can be a serious and life-threatening complication of JDM.