Complete resolution of universal calcinosis in a patient with juvenile dermatomyositis using pamidronate

A 14-year-old girl with juvenile dermatomyositis developed extensive and debilitating calcinosis, unresponsive to colchicine, while muscle involvement subsided. Pamidronate (2 mg/kg/year) produced dramatic improvement of pain and function within 2 months and calcinosis had completely resolved by 2 years. No new calcifications have been noted with a 5-year follow-up. © 2009 Société française de rhumatologie.