SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-From Dyspnea to Diagnosis: Antisynthetase Syndrome Presenting as Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease

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A 44-year-old woman with GERD developed a long history of undifferentiated polyarthralgia, intermittent fevers, and progressive dyspnea that was initially attributed to deconditioning and later suspected to be pneumonia or aspiration-related interstitial lung disease (ILD). Her condition worsened in 2025 with escalating hypoxia and near-syncope, prompting further evaluation. Workup showed restrictive pulmonary function tests, elevated inflammatory markers, positive ANA, and eosinophilia. CT imaging demonstrated bilateral lower-lobe consolidations and traction bronchiectasis. Bronchoscopy was unrevealing. A lung biopsy ultimately revealed fibrotic ILD with organizing pneumonia and eosinophilic infiltrates. Autoimmune serologies were notable for anti-PL12 and SSA-52 positivity, with negative Jo-1 antibodies.<br /><br />She improved rapidly after corticosteroid treatment and was transitioned to rituximab.<br /><br />This case highlights antisynthetase syndrome (ASS), a rare autoimmune inflammatory myopathy in which ILD may be the dominant or even initial manifestation, preceding muscle involvement. ASS can also present with arthritis, fever, and mechanic’s hands. Anti-PL12 is particularly associated with pulmonary-dominant disease. Because respiratory symptoms can be misattributed to infection, aspiration, or deconditioning, diagnosis is often delayed, increasing morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of autoimmune ILD and prompt immunosuppression are critical, especially in rapidly progressive cases. The case also underscores the importance of multidisciplinary coordination and considering overlap with other autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome.

Asset Subtitle

Benajmin M. Jump

Meta Tag

Author List Benajmin M. Jump

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Antisynthetase Syndrome

Concept Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease

Concept Interstitial Lung Disease

Concept Anti-PL12 Antibody

Concept Glucocorticoid Therapy

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Riverside Methodist Hospital

Presenting Author Benajmin M. Jump

Track Adult

Keywords

antisynthetase syndrome

interstitial lung disease

anti-PL12

autoimmune ILD

organizing pneumonia

eosinophilic infiltrates

restrictive pulmonary function

corticosteroid treatment

rituximab

Sjögren’s syndrome

Antisynthetase Syndrome

Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease

Interstitial Lung Disease

Anti-PL12 Antibody

Glucocorticoid Therapy