Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) dermatomyositis is characterized by rapidly progressive (RP) interstitial lung disease (ILD). We report a case of a 48-year-old non-diabetic, nonhypertensive, non-smoker, software engineer with shortness of breath of short duration; swelling of face, neck, and upper limbs; and a skin rash over the knuckles, elbow, and chest. The diagnosis was made based on the history of RP ILD, imaging, and MDA 5 antibody ++ levels on the extended myositis profile. This study raises awareness of the disease, highlighting the importance of complete history taking and the investigation of myositis-specific antibodies in the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
Misra et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
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