Fatal rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease in a patient with amyopathic dermatomyositis

Abstract

A wide spectrum of interstitial lung disease (ID) is common and is a well-established manifestation of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Yet, till now, the pathogenetic mechanisms are still poorly understood, classification is evolving and prognosis is variable. A refractory and rapidly aggressive form of interstitial lung disease (RPILD) associated with dermatomyositis (DM) with minimal muscle weakness and normal creatine kinase (termed clinically amyopathic DM) is increasingly being recognized, with more incidence in Asians. However, we are not aware of reports of the Arab region. Herein, we present a 38-year-old male with this condition that ended with a fatal outcome despite aggressive therapy, with a review of recent literature.