Juvenile dermatomyositis

An echocardiogram or ultrasound of the heart is a practical, fast, harmless and non-invasive method for studying the structure and function of the heart. It is performed with a device called an ultrasound scanner. It does not emit radiation and has no contraindications, it is painless and provides a lot of data, which is why it is considered an optimal test for the study and knowledge of the functioning of the heart in patients with JDM. 

Although cardiac involvement in patients with JDM is rare, given that its presence conditions immunosuppressive treatment, it is recommended that all patients undergo a baseline assessment with electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.

In case of high risk of heart disease, periodic assessments are recommended. Patients with high blood pressure, "significant" disease activity one year after diagnosis, chronic corticosteroid treatment and persistent activity are considered high-risk patients.