{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Presenting clinical and imaging features of patients with clinically amyopathic interstitial lung disease associated with myositis-specific autoantibodies.
{Author}: Tzilas V;Tzouvelekis A;Sotiropoulou V;Panopoulos S;Bouros E;Avdoula E;Ryu JH;Bouros D;
{Journal}: Front Med (Lausanne)
{Volume}: 11
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024
{Factor}: 5.058
{DOI}: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1392659
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Lung involvement in the context of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies has significant impact on outcome; early and accurate diagnosis is important but can be difficult to achieve. In particular, patients without clinically evident muscle involvement pose a significant diagnostic challenge.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>A computer-assisted search was conducted to identify patients with amyopathic interstitial lung disease associated with the presence of myositis-specific autoantibodies. Medical records and chest imaging studies were reviewed to identify clinical and radiologic features at presentation.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Of the 35 patients with amyopathic interstitial lung disease associated with myositis-specific autoantibodies, the median age was 65 years (range 43-78) and 20 were women (57%). Of the patients, 34% had previously visited the rheumatology department. Presenting symptoms consisted of dyspnea (94%), cough (43%), and arthritis (23%). Raynaud phenomenon, "mechanic hands," Gottron papules, and inspiratory crackles were present in 23, 31, 9, and 74% of patients, respectively. After a detailed history, none of the patients reported muscle weakness, while four (11%) exhibited increased CK levels; of these four, two had a concomitant increase in aldolase levels. Median FVC was 79% predicted (range: 49-135) and median DLco was 50% predicted (range: 17-103). HRCT pattern was suggestive of an alternative to UIP pattern in 31/33 (94%) patients; the most common imaging patterns were NSIP (49%) and NSIP/OP (39%).<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>In patients with NSIP and NSIP/OP pattern, the presence of amyopathic interstitial lung disease associated with myositis-specific autoantibodies should be considered even in the absence of clinical evident myositis.