Spontaneous development of myasthenia gravis and myositis following treatment with pembrolizumab: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a relatively new advancement in the world of cancer therapy. As such, their adverse effects have yet to be fully understood, with only recent literature documenting autoimmune phenomena secondary to their utilization. Specific immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently been linked with the development of myasthenia gravis, which is classically known to manifest spontaneously in patients. Given the relative rarity of this presentation, the risk of misdiagnosis and subsequent mortality and morbidity is concerning. CASE PRESENTATION: We discuss the case of a 73-year-old male who presented with clinical symptoms of myasthenia gravis and myositis shortly after beginning treatment with Pembrolizumab. The diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was initially missed at an outside hospital, which delayed initiation of proper treatment. CONCLUSION: While the incidence of "de-novo" diseases secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors might be increasing, guidelines regarding best treatment options do not yet exist, leaving many providers at a loss when faced with making clinical decisions surrounding patients with De novo myasthenia gravis. Thus, our goal is to underscore the importance of early recognition of this disease, and emphasize the need for a standard of care as immune checkpoint inhibitors usage becomes more prevalent.

Myositis Autoantibody Profiles and Clinical Significance in Patients with Inflammatory Myopathies in Southwest China.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to analyze the distribution of myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs) in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) in southwest China and to explore the relevance between each subtype, each clinical feature, and to explore the relevance between the laboratory indexes. METHODS: For this study, 200 patients with IIMs were tested for myositis autoantibodies. Clinical manifestations and laboratory metrics were collected and the correlations between autoantibodies and clinical phenotypes were analyzed. RESULTS: MSAs were found in 73.5% of the patients. The most frequently MSAs were anti-MDA5 (26.8%), followed by anti-ARS (18.5%). Anti-Ro52 was the most prevalent in MAAs (46.2%). Interstitial lung disease (ILD) and arthralgia were more frequent in anti-MDA5 and anti-Jo-1 positive groups (each p < 0.05). Anti-TIF1-γ and anti-NXP2 were associated with dysphagia (each p < 0.05). Different antibody subtypes were associated with laboratory indicators of response to muscle damage and immune status. Logistic regression showed that anti-MDA5 and anti-Jo-1 were independent risk factors for ILD (OR = 4.542, p = 0.004; OR = 4.290, p = 0.018, respectively) and arthralgia (OR = 7.856, p = 0.000; OR = 5.731, p = 0.004, respectively), whereas anti-TIF1-γ and anti-NXP2 were independent risk factors for dysphagia (OR = 4.521, p = 0.009; OR = 6.889, p = 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Different antibody subtypes were associated with specific clinical features. Anti-MDA5 and anti-Jo-1 were independent risk factors for ILD and arthralgia. Anti-TIF1-γ and anti-NXP2 were independent risk factors for dysphagia.

Atypical skin conditions of the neck and back as a dermal manifestation of anti-HMGCR antibody-positive myopathy.

BACKGROUND: Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM). Though patients with IMNM were not considered to show skin rash, several reports have showed atypical skin conditions in patients with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) antibody-positive IMNM (HMGCR-IMNM). The incidence and phenotype of skin conditions in patients with HMGCR-IMNM are not fully known. RESULTS: Among the 100 IIM patients diagnosed from April 2015 through August 2022, 34 (34%) presented some form of skin condition, with 27 having typical skin rashes; this included 13 patients with dermatomyositis (DM), 8 with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS), and 6 with IMNM. Meanwhile, 8 of 19 patients with HMGCR-IMNM (42%) presented atypical skin lesions, but no patients with other IIMs did (p < 0.001). Skin eruption with ash-like scales was observed in four HMGCR-IMNM patients, and non-scaly red patches and lumps in the other four patients; accordingly, their skin manifestations were considered as other dermal diseases except for IIM. However, skin and muscle biopsies revealed the atypical skin conditions of patients with HMGCR-IMNM to have the same pathological background, formed by Bcl-2-positive lymphocyte infiltrations. CONCLUSIONS: HMGCR-IMNM patients frequently have atypical skin conditions of the neck and back. Skin biopsy specimens from these lesions showed the same Bcl-2-positive lymphocytic infiltrations as muscle biopsy specimens regardless of the different gross dermal findings. Thus, such atypical skin conditions may be suggestive for HMGCR-IMNM.

[A Guide to Conducting a Pathological Examination: Muscle Biopsy].

Muscle biopsy for inflammatory myopathies facilitates the direct observation of muscle pathology at the site of inflammation by obtaining a small amount of tissue for pathological diagnosis. In clinical settings, muscle pathology derived from a muscle biopsy provides information limited to the tissue sampled. Thus, clinical information must supplement this to ascertain whether the obtained muscle pathology aligns with patient clinical presentation of myositis. This paper discusses considerations for effectively utilizing muscle biopsy in diagnosing inflammatory muscle diseases in clinical practice. Additionally, we briefly explore interpreting the pathological findings of myositis obtained from biopsy samples.

[Treatment Strategies for Anti-Synthetase Syndrome].

Anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (ARS) antibodies are the most frequent in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, notably associated with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS), which is characterized by six clinical features: arthritis, myositis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), fever, Raynaud's phenomenon, and mechanical hands. Although patients with ASyS often respond well to initial glucocorticoid (GC) therapy, they tend to have a chronic, recurrent disease course. In anti-ARS-positive patients, the treatment goal involves suppressing disease recurrence and progression while achieving a minimal GC dose. In this regard, the administration and continuation of immunosuppressants, such as calcineurin inhibitors, have been suggested. B-cell depletion therapies are expected to be valuable in patients with refractory ASyS. Moreover, additional antifibrotic agents may be beneficial for patients with progressive fibrosing ILD.

[Immune-Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy].

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a form of autoimmune myositis characterized by the presence of necrotic and regenerating process as a major finding in the muscle. Anti-SRP and anti-HMGCR have been identified as IMNM-specific autoantibodies. Patients with this disease often present with severe muscle weakness and markedly elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. Differentiation from muscular dystrophy is challenging in certain cases. When patients meet the condition "subacute onset", "hyperCKemia over 1000 IU/L", and "clinical diagnosis of muscular dystrophy lacking molecular diagnosis", the possibility of IMNM should be considered. Autoantibody measurement, including of anti-SRP and HMGCR antibodies, is recommended. Treatment with corticosteroid in combination with immunosuppressants, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab can be performed.

Thymic carcinoma presenting with overlap polyarthritis and myositis: A rare paraneoplastic syndrome in childhood.

Thymic tumors are very rare neoplasms in children and account for less than 1% of mediastinal tumors in pediatric patients. One-third of the pediatric patients present with symptoms related to the compression of the tumor mass on the surrounding anatomic structures, and paraneoplastic syndromes such as myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia, acquired hypogammaglobulinemia, and connective tissue disorders, which rarely occur in children with thymic tumors. Herein, we report a case of thymic carcinoma mimicking the symptoms of a connective tissue disease with symmetrical polyarthritis accompanying myositis, fever, weight loss, and malaise in a 15-year-old male patient. To our knowledge, this is the first case pediatric thymic carcinoma accompany with severe polyarthritis and myopathy, thus we have reviewed the current literature regarding the cases of thymic malignancies coexisting with paraneoplastic syndromes in children.

Prognostic significance of natural killer cell depletion in predicting progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Objectives: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is one of the common extramuscular involvement in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) (1). Several patients develop a progressive fibrosing ILD (PF-ILD) despite conventional treatment, resulting in a progressive deterioration in their quality of life (2). Here, we investigated the clinical and immune characteristics of IIM-ILD and risk factors for PF-ILD in IIM, mainly in anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (anti-MDA5+) dermatomyositis (DM) and anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS). Methods: Here, a prospective cohort of 156 patients with IIM-ILD were included in the longitudinal analysis and divided into the PF-ILD (n=65) and non-PF-ILD (n=91) groups, and their baseline clinical characteristics were compared. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were performed to identify the variables significantly associated with pulmonary fibrosis progression in the total cohort, then anti-MDA5+ DM and ASS groups separately. Results: Peripheral blood lymphocyte counts, including T, B, and NK cell counts, were significantly lower in the PF-ILD group than in the non-PF-ILD group. This characteristic is also present in the comparison between patients with anti-MDA5+ DM and ASS. The multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age > 43.5 years [HR: 7.653 (95% CI: 2.005-29.204), p = 0.003], absolute NK cell count < 148 cells/µL [HR: 6.277 (95% CI: 1.572-25.067), p = 0.009] and absolute Th cell count < 533.2 cells/µL [HR: 4.703 (95% CI: 1.014-21.821), p = 0.048] were independent predictors of progressive fibrosing during 1-year follow-up for patients with anti-MDA5+ DM, while absolute count of NK cells < 303.3 cells/µL [HR: 19.962 (95% CI: 3.108-128.223), p = 0.002], absolute count of lymphocytes < 1.545×109/L [HR: 9.684 (95% CI: 1.063-88.186), p = 0.044], and ferritin > 259.45 ng/mL [HR: 6 (95% CI: 1.116-32.256), p = 0.037] were independent predictors of PF-ILD for patients with ASS. Conclusions: Patients with anti-MDA5+ DM and ASS have independent risk factors for PF-ILD. Lymphocyte depletion (particularly NK cells) was significantly associated with PF-ILD within 1-year of follow-up for IIM-ILD.

Pathogenic role and clinical significance of neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are a heterogeneous group of chronic autoimmune diseases characterized by muscle damage and extramuscular symptoms, including specific skin rash, arthritis, interstitial lung disease, and cardiac involvement. While the etiology and pathogenesis of IIM are not yet fully understood, emerging evidence suggests that neutrophils and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have a role in the pathogenesis. Recent research has identified increased levels of circulating and tissue neutrophils as well as NETs in patients with IIM; these contribute to the activation of the type I and type II interferons pathway. During active IIM disease, myositis-specific antibodies are associated with the formation and incomplete degradation of NETs, leading to damage in the lungs, muscles, and blood vessels of patients. This review focuses on the pathogenic role and clinical significance of neutrophils and NETs in IIM, and it includes a discussion of potential targeted treatment strategies.

Review of Pulmonary Manifestations in Antisynthetase Syndrome.

Antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS) is now a widely recognized entity within the spectrum of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Initially described in patients with a triad of myositis, arthritis, and interstitial lung disease (ILD), its presentation can be diverse. Additional common symptoms experienced by patients with ASyS include Raynaud's phenomenon, mechanic's hand, and fever. Although there is a significant overlap with polymyositis and dermatomyositis, the key distinction lies in the presence of antisynthetase antibodies (ASAs). Up to 10 ASAs have been identified to correlate with a presentation of ASyS, each having manifestations that may slightly differ from others. Despite the proposal of three classification criteria to aid diagnosis, the heterogeneous nature of patient presentations poses challenges. ILD confers a significant burden in patients with ASyS, sometimes manifesting in isolation. Notably, ILD is also often the initial presentation of ASyS, requiring pulmonologists to remain vigilant for an accurate diagnosis. This article will comprehensively review the various aspects of ASyS, including disease presentation, diagnosis, management, and clinical course, with a primary focus on its pulmonary manifestations.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

Connective tissue diseases (CTD) comprise a group of autoimmune diseases that can affect multiple organs in the body including the lungs. The most common form of pulmonary involvement is interstitial lung disease (ILD). CTD-associated ILD (CTD-ILD) can take one of several courses including nonprogressive, chronically progressive, or rapidly progressive. Chronically and rapidly progressive patterns are associated with increased mortality. Limited randomized controlled trial data are available for treatment of CTD-ILD, with most data coming from systemic sclerosis-related ILD. The current first-line treatment for all CTD-ILD is immunosuppression with consideration of antifibrotics, stem cell transplant, and lung transplant in progressive disease. In this article, we review data for ILD treatment options in systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, myositis, and primary Sjögren's syndrome-related ILDs.

Clinical and prognostic associations of anti-Jo-1 antibody levels in patients with antisynthetase syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of serum anti-Jo-1 antibody levels with the disease activity and prognosis in anti-Jo-1-positive patients with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS). METHODS: This study included 115 anti-Jo-1-positive patients with ASS who were admitted to China-Japan Friendship Hospital between 2009 and 2019. Anti-Jo-1 antibody serum levels at initial admission and follow-up were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Global and organ disease activity was assessed at baseline and follow-up according to the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies guidelines. RESULTS: Among enrolled patients, 70 (60.9%) patients initially presented with interstitial lung disease (ILD), and 46 (40%) patients presented with with muscle weakness at initial admission. At baseline, patients with ILD had lower levels of anti-Jo-1 antibodies than those without ILD (p = 0.012). Baseline anti-Jo-1 antibody levels were higher in patients with muscle weakness, skin involvement, and arthritis (all p < 0.05) compared to those without these manifestations. Baseline anti-Jo-1 antibody levels were positively correlated with skin visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (r = 0.25, p = 0.006), but not with disease activity in other organs. However, changes in anti-Jo-1 antibody levels were significantly positively correlated with the changes in PGA (ß = 0.002, p = 0.001), muscle (ß = 0.003, p < 0.0001), and pulmonary (ß = 0.002, p = 0.013) VAS scores, but not with skin and joint VAS scores. Older age of onset (hazard ratio [HR] 1.069, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.010-1.133, p = 0.022) and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (HR 1.333, 95% CI: 1.035-1.717, p = 0.026) were risk factors for death. CONCLUSION: Anti-Jo-1 titers appear to correlate more with disease activity changes over time rather than with organ involvement at baseline, which provides better clinical guidance for assessing the disease course using anti-Jo-1 levels.

Anasarca as the first presentation of anti-synthetase syndrome.

A woman in her 70s presented with anasarca and exertional dyspnoea. Investigation showed severe hypoalbuminaemia with no urinary or gastrointestinal protein losses. CT thorax reported lung consolidations, and transbronchial lung biopsy demonstrated organising pneumonia. Autoimmune myositis serology was positive for anti-Jo-1, anti-Ro-52, and anti-PM/Scl-100 antibodies. She was diagnosed with anti-synthetase syndrome with organising pneumonia. She was treated with oral prednisolone and oral mycophenolate mofetil with a good clinical response.

Autoantibody evaluation in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), generally referred to as myositis is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by muscle inflammation and/or skin involvement, diverse extramuscular manifestations with variable risk for malignancy and response to treatment. Contemporary clinico-serologic categorization identifies 5 main clinical groups which can be further stratified based on age, specific clinical manifestations and/or risk for cancer. The serological biomarkers for this classification are generally known as myositis-specific (MSAs) and myositis-associated antibodies. Based on the use of these antibodies, IIM patients are classified into anti-synthetase syndrome, dermatomyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, inclusion body myositis, and overlap myositis. The current classification criteria for IIM requires clinical findings, laboratory measurements, and histological findings of the muscles. However, the use MSAs and myositis-associated autoantibodies as an adjunct for disease evaluation is thought to provide a cost-effective personalized approach that may not only guide diagnosis but aid in stratification and/or prognosis of patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary autoantibodies that are specific or associated myositis. In addition, it highlights possible pathways for the detection and interpretation of these antibodies with limitations for routine clinical use.

Real-world implications of IMACS malignancy screening guidelines for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: An evaluation of compliance and economic impact at a tertiary referral center.

AIM: An inaugural set of consensus guidelines for malignancy screening in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) were recently published by an international working group. These guidelines propose different investigation strategies based on "high", "intermediate" or "standard" malignancy risk groups. This study compares current malignancy screening practices at an Australian tertiary referral center with the recommendations outlined in these guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of newly diagnosed IIM patients. Relevant demographic and clinical data regarding malignancy screening were recorded. Existing practice was compared with the guidelines using descriptive statistics; costs were calculated using the Australian Medicare Benefit Schedule. RESULTS: Of the 47 patients identified (66% female, median age: 63 years [IQR: 55.5-70], median disease duration: 4 years [IQR: 3-6]), only one had a screening-detected malignancy. Twenty patients (43%) were at high risk, while 20 (43%) were at intermediate risk; the remaining seven (15%) had IBM, for which the proposed guidelines do not recommend screening. Only three (6%) patients underwent screening fully compatible with International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies recommendations. The majority (N = 39, 83%) were under-screened; the remaining five (11%) overscreened patients had IBM. The main reason for guideline non-compliance was the lack of repeated annual screening in the 3 years post-diagnosis for high-risk individuals (0% compliance). The mean cost of screening was substantially lower than those projected by following the guidelines ($481.52 [SD 423.53] vs $1341 [SD 935.67] per patient), with the highest disparity observed in high-risk female patients ($2314.29/patient). CONCLUSION: Implementation of the proposed guidelines will significantly impact clinical practice and result in a potentially substantial additional economic burden.

Novel and potential future therapeutic options in systemic autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune inflammation is caused by the loss of tolerance to specific self-antigens and can result in organ-specific or systemic disorders. Systemic autoimmune diseases affect a significant portion of the population with an increasing rate of incidence, which means that is essential to have effective therapies to control these chronic disorders. Unfortunately, several patients with systemic autoimmune diseases do not respond at all or just partially respond to available conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and targeted therapies. However, during the past few years, some new medications have been approved and can be used in real-life clinical settings. Meanwhile, several new candidates appeared and can offer promising novel treatment options in the future. Here, we summarize the newly available medications and the most encouraging drug candidates in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's disease, systemic sclerosis, systemic vasculitis, and autoimmune myositis.

[Magnetic resonance imaging T2 mapping could reflect disease status in patients with dermatomyositis or polymyositis].

This study aimed to explore the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 mapping in the assessment of dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). Thirty-three confirmed cases (myosin group) and eight healthy volunteers (healthy control group) at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, from October 2016 to December 2017, were collected and analyzed. Multiple parameters of the myosin group were quantified, including creatine kinase (CK), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), complement C3, and complement C4. Disease status was evaluated using a panel of tools: myositis disease activity assessment tool-muscle (MDAAT-muscle), myositis disease activity assessment tool-whole (MDAAT-all), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ), medical outcomes study health survey short form-36 item (SF-36), hand muscle strength test (MMT-8) score, and MRI T2 mapping of muscle (22 muscles in the pelvis and thighs) T2 values. The results showed that in the myositis group, the measurements for CK, ESR, CRP, complement C3, and complement C4 were 457.2 (165.6, 1 229.2) IU/L, 20 (10, 42) mm/1h, 3.25 (2.38, 10.07) mg/L, 0.90 (0.83, 1.06) g/L, and 0.18 (0.14, 0.23) g/L, respectively. The scores for MMT-8, MDAAT-muscle, MDAAT-all, HAQ, and SF-36 were 57.12±16.23, 5.34 (4.00, 6.00), 34.63±12.62, 1.55 (0.66, 2.59), and 44.66±7.98, respectively. T2 values were significantly higher in all 22 muscles of the pelvis and thighs of patients with DM or PM compared with the healthy controls [(54.99±11.60)ms vs. (36.62±1.66)ms, P<0.001], with the most severe lesions in the satrorius, iliopsoas, piriformis, gluteus minimus, and gluteus medius muscles. The total muscle T2 value in the myositis group was positively correlated with CK, MDAAT-muscle, MDAAT-all, and HAQ (r=0.461, 0.506, 0.347, and 0.510, respectively, all P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between complement C4, SF-36, and MMT-8 scores (r=-0.424, -0.549, and -0.686, respectively, all P<0.05). Collectively, the findings from this study suggest that MRI T2 mapping can objectively reflect the disease status of DM and PM.

[Current and Future Status of Muscle Pathology: The Position of Muscle Pathology Diagnosis in the Future].

Many muscle disease names are mostly based on muscle pathology findings. Naturally, muscle pathology is important in the diagnosis of muscle diseases. Moreover, in recent years, extensive genetic analysis and autoantibody testing for myositis have been applied clinically, although muscle biopsies are less performed. However, muscle pathology should be proactively considered when a single gene presents multiple phenotypes, when variants of unknown pathological significance are detected, or in cases of autoimmune myositis that may be misdiagnosed as muscular dystrophy.

Dynamic change in red cell distribution width as a predictor for short-time mortality in dermatomyositis-associated rapid progressive interstitial lung disease.

AIM: We aimed to explore a new and readily available practical marker for rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP-ILD) and poor short-term outcomes in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). METHODS: A total of 1822 consecutive patients with IIM between 2009 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. All proven cases of naïve ILD with complete medical records were included. Red cell distribution width (RDW) values at the initial stage, 3 months and last follow-up were collected. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the patients were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 532 patients with IIM with an average follow-up of 4 years. ILD prevalence was higher in patients of elevated RDW (p<0.001). The patients with ILD and elevated RDW had lower levels of PaO2/FiO2, FVC% and DLco% and a higher prevalence of RP-ILD than those with normal RDW (p<0.001). Prognostic analysis revealed that RDW was an independent risk factor for prognosis in patients with IIM-ILD (HR=2.9, p=0.03). Patients with dermatomyositis (DM) with RP-ILD with a change in RDW within 3 months (∆RDW-3) greater than 0 were more likely to die within 3 months. Moreover, the prevalence of ∆RDW-3>0 was higher in patients with RP-ILD and positive for anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody who died within 3 months (87.5%) compared with those alive at 3 months (24.6%) (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that repeated RDW assays could assist physicians in identifying patients with DM-ILD who were at a high risk of RP-ILD and death.