Steroid refractory interstitial pneumonitis in a patient with juvenile dermatomyositis

J Microbiol Immunol Infect. 2002 Dec;35(4):259-61.

Abstract

Interstitial pneumonitis is a severe complication of juvenile dermatomyositis. We report a 4-year-old girl with juvenile dermatomyositis. Coughing, shortness of breath, and general malaise developed during steroid treatment. The histology of her lung biopsy is compatible with interstitial pneumonitis. Aggressive treatment including intravenous methylprednisolone pulse therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, and oral cyclosporin all failed. Creatinine phosphokinase level was within the normal range during the disease course. The clinical features are discussed and the importance of a differential diagnosis of interstitial pneumonitis in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis is emphasized.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cyclosporine / administration & dosage
  • Dermatomyositis / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / drug therapy*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / etiology
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Pulse Therapy, Drug
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Failure

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cyclosporine
  • Methylprednisolone