From the Journals

Drooling Flags Severe Dermatomyositis

Three cases suggest drooling may mark advanced dermatomyositis with dysphagia, aspiration pneumonia, and poor response to treatment.

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Drooling in adults with dermatomyositis may indicate advanced disease and a higher risk of fatal complications, as illustrated in a case series highlighting three patients who developed severe dysphagia and drooling. Despite intensive immunosuppressive therapies, all patients experienced progressive disease, with complications such as aspiration pneumonia and sepsis leading to their deaths. The research underscores drooling as a rare but significant symptom of severe oropharyngeal muscle involvement, suggesting that comprehensive antibody testing and aggressive treatment strategies are essential for prognosis.

Original Source(s)

Drooling Flags Severe Dermatomyositis

Three cases suggest drooling may mark advanced dermatomyositis with dysphagia, aspiration pneumonia, and poor response to treatment.

  • by Olivia Anderson

  • February 12, 2026

  • 2 min

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