Anti-Synthetase Syndrome: A Case Report on the Elevated Risk of Pneumocystosis

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), now referred to as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), occurs in immunocompromised patients. It is particularly associated with cellular immunodeficiency due to certain diseases or treatments. The risk of PCP is likely correlated with the severity of cellular immunity damage. However, excluding AIDS, the precise degree of immunosuppression required to develop PCP is not yet clearly understood. We report the case of a 58-year-old patient who presented with progressively worsening dyspnea. The clinical examination revealed a SaO₂ of 88% on room air and the appearance of mechanic's hands. A thoracic CT scan showed interstitial lung disease (ILD). The immunological work-up was positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-JO-1 antibodies. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed, and the test for PJP came back positive.