Successful treatment of dermatomyositis-related rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonitis with sequential oral cyclophosphamide and azathioprine

Scand J Rheumatol. 2003;32(3):181-3. doi: 10.1080/03009740310002542.

Abstract

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a major complication of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). We report the successful use of oral cyclophosphamide, followed by azathioprine maintenance, in the treatment of a patient with dermatomyositis-related rapidly deteriorating ILD, resistant to steroid. Prompt recognition and early aggressive immunosuppressive therapy may improve the outlook of this condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Antirheumatic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antirheumatic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Azathioprine / administration & dosage
  • Azathioprine / pharmacology*
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Cyclophosphamide / pharmacology*
  • Dermatomyositis / complications*
  • Disease Progression
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / drug therapy*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / etiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Azathioprine