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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  • 1

    Drooling may indicate advanced dermatomyositis and severe oropharyngeal involvement.

  • 2

    All studied patients had progressive disease despite intensive immunosuppressive therapy.

  • 3

    Aspiration pneumonia and sepsis were reported complications.

  • 4

    Muscle biopsies revealed severe pathologic changes.

  • 5

    Comprehensive myositis antibody panels are recommended for better treatment guidance.

  • 6

    Repeat biopsy may be warranted with high clinical suspicion despite normal initial results.

  • 7

    Further study is needed to clarify the link between drooling and mortality risk.

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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