Recurrent dermatomyositis manifesting as a sign of recurrent transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder: long-term survival

The association between urological malignancies and paraneoplastic syndromes has been well documented. We report a case of recurrent dermatomyositis manifesting as a sign of metastatic recurrence of non-muscle-invasive transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, a relationship which has only been referred to in a few reports. The case highlights a few important clinical challenges; firstly, the importance of thorough investigation for underlying malignancy in patients with dermatomyositis, as successful treatment of such malignancy can lead to resolution of paraneoplastic symptoms, and secondly, a high index of suspicion of recurrence in cases where paraneoplastic manifestations recur. Metastatic pulmonary recurrence without local evidence of disease at a follow-up of 4 years makes this case unique. Moreover, in the light of our experience and reported literature, a framework is suggested to approach such a diagnostic dilemma in the future. Description of the case will guide clinicians in the future, in case they encounter such an unusual clinical scenario. This could also serve as a hypothesis-generating source for designing future research as well.