From Suspected COVID-19 to Anti-synthetase Syndrome: A Diagnostic Challenge in the Pandemic Era.

ABSTRACT

Anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS), a rare immunomediated disease, is characterized by multiple signs and symptoms. Not all patients develop the entire clinical spectrum of the syndrome, as it often varies depending on the involved antibodies. In this case report, a 53-year-old non-smoking woman had complaints of fatigue and dyspnea on exertion for five weeks. The outpatient study revealed creatine kinase (CK) 351U/L, ANAs+, anti-SSa+, normal echocardiogram, and a chest X-ray suggesting imaging suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Referred to the emergency department, she was hospitalized for bilateral interstitial pneumonia without respiratory failure. Three SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction tests were negative. She underwent a five-day course of dexamethasone 6mg due to suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sequelae with favorable progress. About a month later, she experienced fatigue, exertional intolerance, morning cough, and Raynaud's phenomenon episodes. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were negative, and a follow-up chest CT showed bilateral organizing pneumonia. Bronchofibroscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage with cytology suggestive of inflammatory appearance, predominantly CD8+ lymphocytes, were performed. Subsequently, positive results for anti-OJ antibodies were obtained. A diagnosis of ASS was established, and prednisolone was initiated at 60mg/day with a tapering regimen, resulting in clinical and radiological improvement. Additional therapy with azathioprine was proposed. This case is presented due to highly suggestive COVID-19 imaging changes, emphasizing the importance of a high suspicion of ASS, despite nearly exclusive pulmonary involvement, with only one isolated elevated CK value and no musculoskeletal complaints. It is also noteworthy for the association with anti-OJ antibodies, rarely identified, often presenting interstitial lung disease as an isolated manifestation.