[A case of adult Still's disease with severe pulmonary complications]

We reported a case of adult Still's disease accompanied by pericarditis, pleuritis and extensive pneumonitis with respiratory failure. A 59-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of high grade fever and sore throat. She had a spiking fever between 38 degrees C and 40 degrees C. Surface lymph nodes were palpable in the neck and inguinal lesions and hepatosplenomegaly was recognized. Laboratory data showed a marked increase in peripheral leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, liver dysfunction and anemia. Serologic tests were negative for various autoantibodies and rheumatoid factor. She received various antibiotics, but there was no improvement. Later, a rheumatoid rash which suggested adult Still's disease developed. The diagnosis of adult Still's disease was made by skin biopsy and clinical course. Although pericarditis, pleuritis and extensive pneumonitis were accompanied with severe respiratory failure, her symptoms improved with steroid pulse-therapy. A transbronchial lung biopsy revealed moderate fibrosis and cell infiltration in alveoli.