A PATIENT WITH INTERSTITIAL LUNG DISEASE SECONDARY TO DERMATOMYOSITIS: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

We describe the case of a man with known dermatomyositis who presented with a dry cough and who early after admission rapidly evolved to respiratory insufficiency. Based on pathological and radiological findings, the diagnosis of diffuse alveolar damage was made. Postmortem examination also revealed infection with yeast, Torulopsis glabrata. Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are both auto-immune diseases, which are characterised by the presence of auto-antibodies and tissue-inflammation, mainly involving the muscles. Patients with PM/DM may have pulmonary complications, often responsible for higher morbidity and mortality. Interstitial lung disease can present itself in different shapes and forms (bronchiolitis obliterans organising pneumonia, non-specific organising pneumonia, usual interstitial pneumonia, acute interstitial pneumonia) and the diagnosis is made based on the combination of pathological examination and radiological findings.