Related Experiment Videos

Three cases of polymyositis/dermatomyositis complicated by pneumomediastinum

Keiko Shimamoto1, Yoshio Ozaki, Hideki Amuro

  • 1First Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University.

Nihon Rinsho Men'Eki Gakkai Kaishi = Japanese Journal of Clinical Immunology
|March 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM). This study details three cases, highlighting potential links to vasculopathy and interstitial pneumonia in these inflammatory muscle diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Pulmonology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Dermatomyositis (DM) and Polymyositis (PM) are idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
  • Pneumomediastinum is a rare but serious complication associated with these conditions.
  • Understanding the specific mechanisms is crucial for patient management.

Observation:

  • Three cases of pneumomediastinum in patients with DM/PM are presented.
  • Case 1: A 61-year-old woman with amyopathic dermatomyositis (aDM) and skin vasculopathy developed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum.
  • Case 2: A 57-year-old woman with DM, skin phenomena, and mild interstitial pneumonia developed pneumomediastinum secondary to severe skin vasculopathy.
  • Case 3: A 63-year-old man with PM and interstitial pneumonia developed pneumomediastinum following pneumothorax.

Findings:

  • The first two cases suggest a strong association between pneumomediastinum and vasculopathy in DM.
  • The third case indicates a potential link between pneumomediastinum, interstitial pneumonia, and corticosteroid treatment in PM.
  • These findings underscore the diverse clinical manifestations and potential complications of DM and PM.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of pneumomediastinum in DM/PM patients is vital for timely intervention.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise pathophysiology linking these conditions.
  • This study contributes to the understanding of rare pulmonary complications in inflammatory myopathies.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:22

Myocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition of the myocardium requiring meticulous nursing management for optimal patient outcomes. Effective management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's medical history, paying close attention to past infections, autoimmune disorders, travel history, and exposure to toxins or drugs. Recent viral infections and systemic diseases are particularly relevant due to their potential role in triggering myocarditis.Physical Examination and MonitoringThe...