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.

A Review of Antisynthetase Syndrome-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease.

Our objective in this review article is to present a clinical case of a patient with antisynthetase syndrome (ASyS) and provide an overview of the pathogenesis, classification criteria, antibody profiles, clinical features, and current knowledge of treatment options, focusing on interstitial lung disease (ILD). ASyS is an uncommon autoimmune disease with a heterogenous clinical presentation characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase and manifested by myositis, fever, inflammatory arthritis, Raynaud's phenomenon, mechanics hands, and ILD. ASyS-associated ILD (ASyS-ILD) is the most serious complication of ASyS, which may evolve to rapidly progressive ILD; therefore, it often requires thorough clinical and radiologic evaluation including recognition of a specific clinical phenotype associated with the antisynthetase antibodies (ASAbs) to guide therapeutic interventions.

Diffuse Interstitial Lung Disease Revealing Antisynthetase Syndrome.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a frequent manifestation of connective tissue diseases. They may be revelatory of the disease or occur during follow-up. Antisynthetase syndrome (ASS) is a complex and heterogeneous autoimmune disorder. Antisynthetase antibodies, in particular the anti-Jo-1 antibody, characterize this syndrome. The occurrence and severity of ILD determine the prognosis, which in turn determines therapeutic management. We report the case of a 53-year-old female patient presenting with ILD, revealing the diagnosis of ASS. The evolution was favorable with bolus corticosteroids associated with cyclophosphamide.

Clinical evolution of antisynthetase syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease after COVID-19 in a man with Klinefelter syndrome: A case report.

BACKGROUND: This study presents a case of rapidly developing respiratory failure due to antisynthetase syndrome (AS) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a 33-year-old man diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). CASE SUMMARY: A 33-year-old man with a diagnosis of KS was admitted to the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine of a tertiary hospital in China for fever and shortness of breath 2 wk after the onset of COVID-19. Computed tomography of both lungs revealed diffuse multiple patchy heightened shadows in both lungs, accompanied by signs of partial bronchial inflation. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid suggested absence of pathogen. A biopsy specimen revealed organizing pneumonia with alveolar septal thickening. Additionally, extensive auto-antibody tests showed strong positivity for anti-SSA, anti-SSB, anti-Jo-1, and anti-Ro-52. Following multidisciplinary discussions, the patient received a final diagnosis of AS, leading to rapidly progressing respiratory failure. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the clinical progression of AS-associated interstitial lung disease subsequent to viral infections such as COVID-19 in patients diagnosed with KS.

Quick response to rituximab in a patient with Ro52-Jo1 complex-associated antisynthetase syndrome debuting with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease and diffuse alveolar haemorrhage / Rápida respuesta a rituximab en un paciente con síndrome antisintetasa asociado a anti-Ro52-Jo1 que debuta con enfermedad intersticial rápidamente progresiva y hemorragia alveolar difusa

Antisynthetase syndrome (AAS) is an inflammatory myopathy that may debut with interstitial lung disease (ILD). A few studies show cases in which patients with high concentrations of anti-Ro52 in patients with ILD might achieve a better response if treated with rituximab than other patients with ILD and Ro-52 whose levels are lower. We present a patient with lung involvement as the first and unique manifestation of AAS with anti-Jo and anti-Ro52-positive antibodies. The ILD was rapid and progressive and led him into the intensive care unit in a matter of days, despite several immunosuppressive treatments. As soon as the patient received this treatment, he experienced an improvement. We therefore suggest the prompt determination of anti-Ro52 antibody concentrations in this subgroup of patients, which would offer a therapeutic approach based first on rituximab over other immunosuppressive treatments (AU)

El síndrome antisintetasa (SA) es una miopatía inflamatoria que puede debutar en forma de enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI). Algunos estudios muestran casos de pacientes con EPI secundaria a miopatía inflamatoria y positividad de anti-Ro52 a altas concentraciones que presentan mejor respuesta a rituximab que pacientes similares con positividad de anti-Ro52 a bajas concentraciones. Presentamos un paciente con enfermedad intersticial como primera y única manifestación de SA y con positividad para anti-Ro52 a concentraciones altas y anti-Jo1. La EPI fue rápida y progresiva, conduciéndole a ingreso en la unidad de cuidados intensivos e intubación orotraqueal a pesar de varios tratamientos inmunosupresores. Solo experimentó mejoría cuando se inició rituximab. Por ello, proponemos medir los títulos del anticuerpo contra Ro-52 en todos los pacientes con EPI secundaria a SA y positividad de anti-Ro52, y si se evidencian valores altos decidir rituximab como tratamiento de primera línea antes que otras terapias inmunosupresoras (AU)

Síndrome antisintetasa: reporte de un caso / Antisynthetase syndrome: a case report

El síndrome antisintetasa es una miopatía inflamatoria idiopática (MII) de origen autoinmune, poco frecuente, que se caracteriza por la presencia de autoanticuerpos antisintetasa ARNt (generalmente anti-Jo1), asociado frecuentemente a miositis, enfermedad pulmonar intersticial, poliartritis, manos de mecánico y fenómeno de Raynaud. Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 45 años de edad que presenta este síndrome con características fenotípicas de dermatomiositis y responde de forma favorable luego de la administración del tratamiento con glucocorticoides asociado a metotrexato.

Anti-synthetase syndrome is a rare autoimmune inflammatory myopathy characterized by autoantibodies against tRNA synthetases (most commonly anti-Jo1) with clinical features that include myositis, interstitial lung disease, polyarthritis, mechanic's hands and Raynaud's phenomenon. We report a 45-year-old woman who presented with dermatomyositis phenotypical features and a significant improvement with corticosteroids and metotrexate treatment.

Síndrome antisintetasa: reporte de un caso / Antisynthetase syndrome: a case repor

El síndrome antisintetasa es una miopatía inflamatoria idiopática (MII) de origen autoinmune, poco frecuente, que se caracteriza por la presencia de autoanticuerpos antisintetasa ARNt (generalmente anti-Jo1), asociado frecuentemente a miositis, enfermedad pulmonar intersticial, poliartritis, manos de mecánico y fenómeno de Raynaud. Se reporta el caso de una mujer de 45 años de edad que presenta este síndrome con características fenotípicas de dermatomiositis y responde de forma favorable luego de la administración del tratamiento con glucocorticoides asociado a metotrexato.

Anti-synthetase syndrome is a rare autoimmune inflammatory myopathy characterized by autoantibodies against tRNA synthetases (most commonly anti-Jo1) with clinical features that include myositis, interstitial lung disease, polyarthritis, mechanic's hands and Raynaud's phenomenon. We report a 45-year-old woman who presented with dermatomyositis phenotypical features and a significant improvement with corticosteroids and metotrexate treatment.

Myositis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease: Clinical Characteristics and Factors Related to Pulmonary Function Improvement: A Latin-American Multicenter Cohort Study / Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial asociada con miositis: Características clínicas y factores relacionados con la mejoría de la función pulmonar. Estudio latinoamericano multicéntrico de cohorte

Background and objectives: ILD patients can be positive to highly specific autoantibodies of connective tissue diseases (CTD). Among them stand out myositis-specific and associated autoantibodies (MSA/MAA). There is limited knowledge about treatment response and prognosis of ILD patients positive to MSA/MAA (MSA/MAA-ILD). Our aim was to describe clinical, radiological and pulmonary function (PF) of MSA/MAA-ILD Latin-American patients and risk factors associated to PF at onset and long term follow up. Methods: Multicentric retrospective study of MSA/MAA-ILD patients evaluated between 2016 and 2018 in 3 ILD clinics in Latin America. Clinical, functional and tomographic variables were described. Variables associated with poor baseline PF and associated with functional improvement (FI) were analyzed in a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: We included 211 patients, 77.4% female, mean age 57 years old. Most frequent MSA/MAA were Ro-52 and Jo-1. Poor baseline PF was associated to ILD as initial diagnosis and NSIP/OP HRCT pattern. 121 patients were included in the follow up PF analysis: 48.8% remained stable and 33% had a significant FI. In multivariate analysis, OP pattern on HRCT was associated with FI. Systemic symptoms from the beginning and the absence of sclerodactyly showed a trend to be associated with FI. Conclusions: Worse baseline PF could be related to the absence of extra-thoracic symptoms and “classic” antibodies in CTD (ANA), which causes delay in diagnosis and treatment. In contrast, FI could be related to the presence of extra-thoracic signs that allow timely diagnosis and therapy, and more acute and subacute forms of ILD, such as OP pattern.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: Los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) pueden presentar positividad para autoanticuerpos específicos de enfermedades autoinmunes, como los anticuerpos mioespecíficos (AME) o mioasociados (AMA). Existe escasa información disponible sobre pronóstico y respuesta al tratamiento de estos pacientes. Nuestro objetivo fue describir las características clínicas, radiológicas, funcionales y pronósticas de una cohorte latinoamericana de pacientes con EPI y AME/AMA. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico de una cohorte pacientes con EPI y AME/AMA, evaluados en tres centros latinoamericanos entre 2016 y 2018. Describimos variables clínicas, tomográficas y funcionales. Analizamos variables asociadas con valores funcionales bajos al inicio y mejoría funcional mediante regresión logística. Resultados: Incluimos 211 pacientes, 77,4% mujeres, con una media de edad de 57 años. Los anticuerpos más frecuentes fueron Ro-52 y Jo-1. Valores funcionales bajos al inicio se asociaron con la presencia de EPI desde el debut y con un patrón de neumonía intersticial no específica (NINE)/neumonía organizativa (NO) en la tomografía computarizada de alta resolución (TACAR). Se analizó la evolución funcional en 121 pacientes: 48% permanecieron estables y 33% presentaron mejoría. El patrón de NO en TACAR, se asoció significativamente con mejoría funcional, mientras que la presencia de EPI desde el debut y la ausencia de esclerodactilia mostraron una tendencia en el análisis multivariado. Conclusiones: Valores funcionales bajos al debut podrían asociarse con la ausencia de síntomas extratorácicos al inicio, por llevar a un diagnóstico y tratamiento tardíos. Por el contrario, la presencia de síntomas sistémicos al debut, junto con formas más agudas de EPI como NINE/NO podrían asociarse con mejoría funcional por permitir un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz.(AU)

Autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) pattern in rheumatoid arthritis patients: Relevance and clinical implications / Patrón de autoanticuerpos contra antígenos nucleares extraíbles (ENA) en pacientes con artritis reumatoide: relevancia e implicaciones clínicas

Objectives: To study the frequency of different autoantibodies to extractable nuclear antigens (ENAs) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to correlate findings with clinical manifestations, disease activity and radiological damage. Methods: A total of 230 RA patients were included and 75 healthy controls. In all patients rheumatological assessment was done and routine laboratory investigations and immune profile were performed in both patients and controls, including: RF, ACPA, ANA and anti-ENAs (Ro/SSA, La/SSB, U1-RNP, anti-Jo-1 and anti-Sm). Radiological damage was scored using Sharp/van der Heijde, and disease activity was evaluated by DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP. Results: RF was positive in 101 (43.9%), ACPA in 220 (95.7%), ANA in 58 (25.2%), anti Ro in 31 (13.5%), anti-La in 10 (4.3%), anti-Jo1 in 5 (2.2%) and anti-RNP in 2 (0.9%). Anti-Ro/SSA positively correlated with sicca symptoms (p=.02), RF titer (p<.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS28-ESR (p=.026), and DAS28-CRP (p=.003). Anti-La antibodies correlated positively with SJC (p=.001), TJC (p=.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS-28 ESR (p=.007). Anti-Jo-1 correlated positively with interstitial lung disease (ILD) (p≤.001), RF titer (p=.037) and ANA (p≤.001). Anti-RNP antibodies correlated positively with disease duration (p≤.001), ACPA titer (p≤.001) and ANA (p=.014). In the controls ANA was positive in two (2.7%), anti-Ro in three (4%), and none of the controls tested positive for other autoantibodies. Conclusions: In RA patients, positive ANA is frequent and positively associated with anti-Ro, anti-La and anti-Jo1 autoantibodies. Screening for autoantibodies against other anti-ENAs seems mandatory in RA patients especially when ANA is positive. RA cases with positive Anti-Jo-1 may develop anti synthetase syndrome and ILD.(AU)

Objetivos: Estudiar la frecuencia de diferentes autoanticuerpos frente a antígenos nucleares extraíbles (ENA) en pacientes con artritis reumatoide (AR) y relacionar los hallazgos con las manifestaciones clínicas, la actividad de la enfermedad y el daño radiológico. Métodos: Se incluyeron un total de 230 pacientes con AR y 75 controles sanos. En todos los pacientes, la evaluación reumatológica, las investigaciones de laboratorio de rutina y el perfil inmune se realizaron tanto en pacientes como en controles, incluidos: RF, ACPA, ANA y anti-ENA (Ro/SSA, La/SSB, U1-RNP, anti-Jo-1 y anti-sm). El daño radiológico se puntuó con Sharp/van der Heijde y la actividad de la enfermedad se evaluó mediante DAS28-ESR y DAS28-CRP. Resultados: La RF fue positiva en 101 (43.9%), ACPA en 220 (95.7%), ANA en 58 (25.2%), anti Ro en 31 (13.5%), anti-La en 10 (4.3%), anti-Jo1 en 5 (2,2%) y anti-RNP en 2 (0,9%). Anti-Ro/SSA se correlacionó positivamente con los síntomas de sicca (p=.02), el título de RF (p<.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS28-ESR (p=.026) y DAS28-CRP (p=.003). Los anticuerpos anti-La se correlacionaron positivamente con SJC (p=.001), TJC (p=.001), ANA (p<.001), DAS-28 ESR (p=.007). El anti-Jo-1 se correlacionó positivamente con la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial (EPI) (p≤0,001), título de RF (p=0,037) y ANA (p≤0,001). Los anticuerpos anti-RNP se correlacionaron positivamente con la duración de la enfermedad (p≤0,001), el título de ACPA (p≤0,001) y ANA (p=0,014). En los controles, ANA fue positivo en dos (2.7%), anti-Ro en tres (4%) y ninguno de los controles dio positivo para otros autoanticuerpos. Conclusiones: En pacientes con AR, el ANA positivo es frecuente y se asocia positivamente con autoanticuerpos anti-Ro, anti-La y anti-Jo1. La detección de autoanticuerpos contra otros anti-ENA parece obligatoria en los pacientes con AR, especialmente cuando la ANA es positiva. Los casos de AR con Anti-Jo-1 positivo pueden desarrollar el síndrome de sintetasa e ILD.(AU)

Serie de casos clínicos de pacientes con Miopatía inflamatoria idiopática y Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial del registro de Miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología / Clinical case series of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and interstitial lung disease from the SAR's Registry of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies

Las Miopatías Inflamatorias Idiopáticas (MII) son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades que se caracterizan por debilidad muscular e inflamación subyacente en la biopsia muscular. Los principales órganos afectados son el músculo, la piel y también puede afectarse el pulmón. Se distinguen dentro de los subtipos clínicos como Polimiositis (PM), Dermatomiositis (DM), DM con la variante Dermatomiositis Clínicamente Amiopática (DMCA), el Síndrome Antisintetasa (SAS), la Miositis Necrotizante Inmunomediada, la Miositis por Cuerpos de Inclusión (MCI) y la Miositis Asociada a Neoplasia. La presencia de ciertos anticuerpos específicos y asociados predispone al desarrollo de manifestaciones clínicas, determinando el pronóstico de la enfermedad. Se presentan 4 pacientes del Registro de MII de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología (SAR) con estas características: un paciente con PM y anti Jo-1 positivo y tres pacientes con DM (uno con DMCA y anti-RO 52 y dos pacientes con anti-PL7 y anti-TIF1γ respectivamente).

Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (MII) are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation underlying muscle biopsy. The main organs affected are muscle, skin and the lung can also be affected. They are distinguished within clinical subtypes such as Polymyositis (PM), Dermatomyositis (DM), DM with the variant Clinically Amiopathic Dermatomyositis (DMCA), the Syndrome Antisynthetase (SAS), Immune-mediated Necrotizing Myositis, Body Myositis Inclusion (MCI) and Neoplasia-Associated Myositis. The presence of certain specific and associated antibodies predisposes to the development of clinical manifestations, determining the disease prognosis. 4 patients from the Registry of MII of the Argentine Society of Rheumatology (SAR) are presented with these characteristics: one patient with PM and anti Jo-1 positive and three patients with DM (one with DMCA and anti-RO 52 and two patients with anti-PL7 and anti-TIF1γ respectively).

Serie de casos clínicos de pacientes con Miopatía inflamatoria idiopática y Enfermedad pulmonar intersticial del registro de Miopatías inflamatorias idiopáticas de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología / Series of clinical cases of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and interstitial lung disease from the registry of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies of the Argentine Society of Rheumatology

Las Miopatías Inflamatorias Idiopáticas (MII) son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades que se caracterizan por debilidad muscular e inflamación subyacente en la biopsia muscular. Los principales órganos afectados son el músculo, la piel y también puede afectarse el pulmón. Se distinguen dentro de los subtipos clínicos como Polimiositis (PM), Dermatomiositis (DM), DM con la variante Dermatomiositis Clínicamente Amiopática (DMCA), el Síndrome Antisintetasa (SAS), la Miositis Necrotizante Inmunomediada, la Miositis por Cuerpos de Inclusión (MCI) y la Miositis Asociada a Neoplasia. La presencia de ciertos anticuerpos específicos y asociados predispone al desarrollo de manifestaciones clínicas, determinando el pronóstico de la enfermedad. Se presentan 4 pacientes del Registro de MII de la Sociedad Argentina de Reumatología (SAR) con estas características: un paciente con PM y anti Jo-1 positivo y tres pacientes con DM (uno con DMCA y anti- RO 52 y dos pacientes con anti-PL7 y anti-TIF1γ respectivamente).

Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (MII) are a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation underlying muscle biopsy. The main organs affected are muscle, skin and the lung can also be affected. They are distinguished within clinical subtypes such as Polymyositis (PM), Dermatomyositis (DM), DM with the variant Clinically Amiopathic Dermatomyositis (DMCA), the Syndrome Antisynthetase (SAS), Immune-mediated Necrotizing Myositis, Body Myositis Inclusion (MCI) and Neoplasia-Associated Myositis. The presence of certain specific and associated antibodies predisposes to the development of clinical manifestations, determining the disease prognosis. 4 patients from the Registry of MII of the Argentine Society of Rheumatology (SAR) are presented with these characteristics: one patient with PM and anti Jo-1 positive and three patients with DM (one with DMCA and anti-RO 52 and two patients with anti-PL7 and anti-TIF1γ respectively).

Cardiovascular risk factors among dermatomyositis patients with positive anti-Jo-1 antibody / 中国免疫学杂志

Objective:To assess the association between anti-Jo-1 antibody and cardiovascular risk factors among patients with dermatomyositis (DM).Methods:87 patients with DM were included from 2006 to 2013.Serum anti-Jo-1 antibody was measured by ELISA,and cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated.Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between anti-Jo-1 antibody and cardiovascular risk factors in these patients.Results:The prevalence of hypertension,diabetes,hyperuricemia,and dyslipidemia were 16.09%,22.99%,10.34% and 67.82%,respectively.16.09% of DM patients had a positive anti-Jo-1 antibody and these patients had higher frequency of arthralgia/Raynaud's phenomenon/interstitial lung disease,and higher level of leukocyte and C reactive protein,while had lower level of serum uric acid (P<0.05).Multiple linear regression demonstrated that anti-Jo-1 antibody was closely associated with the level of C reactive protein and serum uric acid.Conclusion:Positive anti-Jo-1 antibody is associated with inflammation marker;however,the detailed mechanism remains further research.

Clinical features and imaging findings of interstitial lung disease in antisynthetase syndrome / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features and imaging findings of interstitial lung disease in antisynthetase syndrome(AS-ILD)and to compare the characteristics among AS specificities. Methods A total of 59 cases with AS-ILD at our hospital during the last 5 years were retrospectively reviewed, including anti-Jo1 positive in 37 cases and anti-PL7 positive in 6 cases and anti-PL12 positive in 6 cases and anti EJ positive in 10 cases. There were 14 males and 45 females aged (51 ± 12) years. The clinical features including myositis, arthritis, fever,"mechanic's hands", rash, proximal dysphagia, raynaud phenomenon were identified. Two radiologists evaluated the pattern, distribution and the ILD pattern of the lung abnormalities on HRCT findings. Based on the anti synthetase antibody positive subtype, 59 patients could be divided into four groups;then the differences of clinical features and HRCT findings between different subtypes were analyzed. X2 test was performed for the comparison of the differences between anti-Jo1 antibody positive and the other 3 group. Results (1)Myositis and arthritis were the most common AS manifestations, which were 61.02%(36/59)and 50.85%(30/59) respectively.(2)The lung abnormalities were predominantly basal(91.53%, 54/59) and peripheral(59.32%, 35/59). Ground-grass opacities(79.66%, 47/59)and reticulations(76.27%, 45/59) were found most frequently. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was the most common HRCT pattern(64.41%, 38/59).(3)As compared with anti-Jo1 positive AS patients, anti-PL12 positive AS patients showed a high rate of traction bronchiectasis at diagnosis(83.33%, 5/6), while the difference was statistically significant(χ2=7.206, P=0.015). The prevalence of pericardial effusion(40.00%, 4/10) was significantly higher in the group of the anti-EJ positive AS patients than that with anti-Jo1 antibody AS(χ2=6.317, P=0.044). Conclusions Myositis and arthritis are the predominant clinical features. NSIP is the most common HRCT pattern in AS-ILD patients. There are some differences of signs among various subtypes, indicating that the difference of fibrosis in the lung and inflammatory reaction in the body being correlated with the AS specificities.

Clinical features and imaging findings of interstitial lung disease in antisynthetase syndrome / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features and imaging findings of interstitial lung disease in antisynthetase syndrome(AS-ILD)and to compare the characteristics among AS specificities. Methods A total of 59 cases with AS-ILD at our hospital during the last 5 years were retrospectively reviewed, including anti-Jo1 positive in 37 cases and anti-PL7 positive in 6 cases and anti-PL12 positive in 6 cases and anti EJ positive in 10 cases. There were 14 males and 45 females aged (51 ± 12) years. The clinical features including myositis, arthritis, fever,"mechanic's hands", rash, proximal dysphagia, raynaud phenomenon were identified. Two radiologists evaluated the pattern, distribution and the ILD pattern of the lung abnormalities on HRCT findings. Based on the anti synthetase antibody positive subtype, 59 patients could be divided into four groups;then the differences of clinical features and HRCT findings between different subtypes were analyzed. X2 test was performed for the comparison of the differences between anti-Jo1 antibody positive and the other 3 group. Results (1)Myositis and arthritis were the most common AS manifestations, which were 61.02%(36/59)and 50.85%(30/59) respectively.(2)The lung abnormalities were predominantly basal(91.53%, 54/59) and peripheral(59.32%, 35/59). Ground-grass opacities(79.66%, 47/59)and reticulations(76.27%, 45/59) were found most frequently. Non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) was the most common HRCT pattern(64.41%, 38/59).(3)As compared with anti-Jo1 positive AS patients, anti-PL12 positive AS patients showed a high rate of traction bronchiectasis at diagnosis(83.33%, 5/6), while the difference was statistically significant(χ2=7.206, P=0.015). The prevalence of pericardial effusion(40.00%, 4/10) was significantly higher in the group of the anti-EJ positive AS patients than that with anti-Jo1 antibody AS(χ2=6.317, P=0.044). Conclusions Myositis and arthritis are the predominant clinical features. NSIP is the most common HRCT pattern in AS-ILD patients. There are some differences of signs among various subtypes, indicating that the difference of fibrosis in the lung and inflammatory reaction in the body being correlated with the AS specificities.

Síndrome Antissintetase: relato de dois casos e revisão da literatura / Antisynthetase Syndrome: two case reports and literature review

A Síndrome Antissintetase (SAS) é caracterizada por miosite, fenômeno de Raynaud, febre, doença pulmonar intersticial, artropatia e mãos de mecânico associados à presença de anticorpos contra a sintetase do RNAt especialmente anti-Jo-1. Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar a literatura sobre SAS e relatar dois casos, sendo o caso 1 de uma paciente com Polimiosite que desenvolveu, após alguns anos de doença, subluxação da articulação interfalangeana proximal do primeiro quirododáctilo direito, associada a manifestações pulmonares e anti-Jo-1 positivo. O caso 2 é de uma paciente com Dermatomiosite que evoluiu com subluxação dos dois primeiros quirodáctilos, anti-Jo-1 positivo e alterações pulmonares intersticiais na TC de tórax, porém assintomática. Esses casos demonstram a importância do diagnóstico precoce. Os autores descrevem dois casos dessa síndrome rara, enfatizando a sua gravidade do ponto de vista pulmonar e articular.

Antisynthetase Syndrome (ASS) is characterized by myositis, Raynaud's phenomenon, fever, interstitial lung disease, mechanic's hands and arthropathy associated with the presence of antibodies against tRNA synthetase, especially anti-Jo-1. This article aims to review the literature on ASS and report two cases where the first is a patient with polymyositis who developed subluxation on the proximal interphalangeal joint of bilateral first right finger after a few years of the disease, associated with pulmonary manifestations and positive anti-JO-1. In the second case, we present a patient with dermatomyositis, who developed a subluxation of the two first fingers, anti-Jo1 positive and chest CT changes, but without clinical evidence of pulmonary involvement. These cases reveal the importance of performing early diagnosis. The authors describe two cases of this rare syndrome, emphasizing the severity of interstitial lung disease and arthritis.

Síndrome antisintetasa / Antisynthetase syndrome

El Síndrome Antisintetasa, es una enfermedad poco frecuente perteneciente al grupo de las miopatías inflamatorias de origen inmunológico. Su caracterización inmunológica es muy variable y de allí las distintas manifestaciones clínicas de su presentación y su difícil diagnóstico. Se presenta un paciente femenino de 42 años de edad, con diagnóstico de Artritis Reumatoide (AR), con 9/10 puntos por puntaje para AR por EULAR 2011, anti-CCP +, RF -, desde octubre de 2011, en tratamiento con Prednisona y Metotrexate. Acude en febrero de 2012 por presentar disnea progresiva y tos con expectoración verdosa. Recibe antibioticoterapia sin respuesta. Se realiza TC de Tórax dónde se evidencia fibrosis pulmonar y bronquiectasias por tracción, con imágenes en panal de abeja a predominio de segmentos inferiores y posteriores. Durante su estancia hospitalaria presenta debilidad muscular proximal con elevación de CK a 4.969 U/L. , se realiza biopsia de músculo, que reporta miopatía inflamatoria; electromiografía, con patrón característico de miopatía inflamatoria y perfil inmunológico, obteniéndose Anti-Jo1 positivo, 0,885 (Negativo < 0,250). En el contexto de un síndrome poliarticular inflamatorio, una enfermedad pulmonar intersticial y una miopatía inflamatoria proximal con Anti Jo-1 (+); se realiza diagnóstico definitivo de Síndrome Antisintetasa.

This is a rare disease, member of the inflammatory myopathies of immunological origin. It has a very variable immunologic profile which makes the diagnosis difficult. We present a female patient 42 years- old, with the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), with 9/10 points of EULAR 2011 Score for RA diagnosis and RF -, Anti CCP +, in October of 2011; her treatment at that time was prednisone and methotrexate. In February of 2012, she consulted to the emergency with dyspnea and productive cough. She received antibiotics with no response. The chest Computerized Tomography evidenced pulmonary fibrosis, traction bronchiectasis and honeycombe images in posterior and inferior segments of both lungs. During her hospitalization, she presented proximal muscular weakness with CK elevation to 4.969 U/L. The muscle biopsy, which concluded inflammatory myopathy, the electromyography had the characteristic pattern of inflammatory myopathy and the immunologic profile, with a positive Anti-Jo1 0,885 (Negative <0,250). In the context of a polyarticular syndrome, an interstitial lung disease and a proximal inflammatory myopathy with a positive Anti-Jo1, we made the final diagnosis of Antisynthetase syndrome.

The levels and clinical significance of serum B cell activating factor in Chinese patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis / 中华内科杂志

Objectives To investigate serum levels of B cell activating factor(BAFF)in Chinese patients with polymyositis(PM)or dermatomyositis(DM),and analyze the correlation of BAFF with autoantibodies and clinical phenotypes.Methods Serum BAFF levels of 28 PM patients and 30 DM patients(study group),and 25 matched healthy controls(control group)were measured by ELISA.Serum anti-Jo-1 antibody levels were also measured by ELISA in all the subjects.The results of the two groups were compared by unpaired t test and the relevance was analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis.Results Serum levels of BAFF in PM/DM patients were significantly higher compared to healthy controls(P =0.000),but there was no statistically significant difference between the PM and DM patients(P ＞ 0.05).Patients with interstitial lung disease(ILD)had significantly higher serum BAFF level than the patients without ILD(P =0.000)or the controls(P =0.000).Serum BAFF levels of patients with positive antinuclear antibody(ANA)were significantly higher than those with negative ANA(P =0.003).For patients with anti-Jo-1 antibodies,the serum BAFF levels were correlated with the serum concentration of anti-Jo-1 antibodies(r =0.799,P =0.006).Conclusions Serum levels of BAFF are increased in Chinese PM/DM patients.These findings indicate that BAFF may be possibly enrolled in the pathogenesis of PM/DM.Detecting serum BAFF levels could have some implication for the diagnosis and treatment of PM/DM.

Serum anti-Jo-1 antibody level correlates with disease activity in polymyositis and dermatomyositis / 中华风湿病学杂志

ObjectiveTo evaluate the correlation between serum anti-Jo-1 antibody level and myositis disease activity in polymyositis/dermatomyositis.MethodsAnti-Jo-1 antibody levels in serum from 148 polymyositis/dermatomyositis patients and 130 healthy controls were measured by both ELISA and immunoblot assay.Disease activity of the anti-Jo-1 antibody positive patients was assessed by the global myositis disease activity score (visual analogue score,VAS) established by the International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies(IMACS) Group.The correlation between disease activity and level of serum antiJo-1 antibody was assessed.Comparisons between groups were performed by x2 test or t test.ResultsThe positive rate of ELISA and EUROLINE was 24.3％(36/148) and 27.0％(40/148) respectively.Fever,ILD,arthritis/arthralgia were found to be more predominant in anti-Jo-1 antibody positive patients than those who were anti-Jo-1 antibody negative patients.There was significant positive correlation between the global myositis disease activity score (VAS) and serum level of anti-Jo-1 antibody (r=0.874,P=9.000).Serum antiJo-1 antibody levels,together with global disease activity,were significantly decreased in the 7 patients after treatment.ConclusionAnti-Jo-1 antibody level measured by ELISA is associated with disease activity of PM/DM,and could be a marker of disease activity.

Polimiosite associada à arterite linfocítica do sistema nervoso central / Polymyositis associated with lymphocytic arteritis of the central nervous system

Complicações do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC) raramente são descritas em miopatias inflamatórias idiopáticas. Os autores relatam o caso de uma paciente de 48 anos com diagnóstico de polimiosite com autoanticorpo anti-Jo-1 positivo que, após cinco anos de evolução, apresentou extensa lesão desmielinizante do SNC associada à arterite linfocítica.

Central Nervous System (CNS) complications in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are seldom reported. The authors describe the case of a 48-year old female with polymyositis and positive anti-Jo-1 autoantibody who, after five years of evolution, developed extensive CNS demyelinating injury associated with lymphocytic arteritis.

A Case of Dermatomyositis with Secondary Organizing Pneumonia / 영남의대학술지

Dermatomyositis is characterized by progressive, symmetric, proximal muscle weakness and a nonsuppurative inflammatory myopathy of unknown etiology involving predominantly skeletal muscles. It is also characterized by typical skin lesions. Interstitial lung disease has a poor prognosis when it is associated with dermatomyositis. Organizing pneumonia is a disease in which granulation tissue fills the lumina of terminal and respiratory bronchioles and extends into the distal airspaces. The cryptogenic nature of the process is appreciated in that organizing pneumonia patterns of injury can be seen in secondary forms of the disease (secondary organizing pneumonia). Organizing pneumonia has been reported to occur in 5~10% in dermatomyositis-polymyositis patients. Anti-histidyl tRNA synthetase antibody (anti-Jo-1) is a predictive disease marker that is reported to occur in up to 70% of patients. We describe a 49-year-old male dermatomyositis patient who presented with organizing pneumonia and was found to have negative anti-Jo-1 antibody.