Anti-EJ antibody positive interstitial lung disease with skin changes at the fingertips

Nihon Rinsho Meneki Gakkai Kaishi. 2016;39(2):150-3. doi: 10.2177/jsci.39.150.

Abstract

Antisynthetase syndrome is characterized by the presence of anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies and characteristic clinical features. We report an anti-EJ antibody-positive case presenting an ILD with slight hyperkeratotic skin changes on the fingertips that appeared simultaneously with respiratory symptoms. We suspected those skin changes of a disease manifestation of antisynthetase syndrome, and thus investigated anti-synthetase antibodies. This case implies that broader spectrum of the patients should fall in antisynthetase syndrome even though the present diagnostic criteria call for mechanic's hand as a skin manifestation. Careful examination of the finger skin and antibody testing should lead to a proper understanding of the pathological processes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases / immunology*
  • Autoantibodies / blood*
  • Fingers / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Keratosis / pathology*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / diagnosis*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / immunology
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myositis / diagnosis*
  • Myositis / immunology
  • Myositis / pathology*
  • Skin / pathology*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases

Supplementary concepts

  • Antisynthetase syndrome