[Antisynthetase syndrome]

Abstract

Background: Traditionally, idiopathic inflammatory myopathies have been classified into three groups; polymyositis, dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. Recent developments in immunology have improved our knowledge and it is now possible to classify these disorders according to the presence of myositis specific autoantibodies.

Materials and methods: Four adult patients with anti-Jo-1 antibodies, one male and three females are presented.

Results: All patients had myositis, but interstitial lung disease represented the main clinical manifestation. One patient had polyarthritis and mechanic hands. Two patients had Gottron's sign, one had Gottron's papules and one female patients had subcutaneous calcinosis. Raynaud's phenomenon was present in two patients.

Interpretation: Patients presenting with interstitial lung disease should be carefully evaluated for the antisynthetase syndrome.