Anti-synthase syndrome associated with SARS-Cov-2 infection

Anti-synthetase syndrome (AS) is a rare autoimmune idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) with diverse manifestations, including arthritis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), Raynaud's phenomenon, unexplained persistent fever, and mechanic's hands.

We present the case of a 72-year-old woman, previously healthy, who was admitted to our hospital for treatment of cough and rapid breathing. The patient had elevated white blood cells and C-reactive protein, and tested negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). She was initially diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia and received tamoxifen for anti-infection treatment, but her dystonia worsened. She eventually required non-invasive ventilator support, tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 again, and started antiviral therapy, corticosteroids to reduce alveolar effusion, anticoagulation, and other treatments. However, her condition continued to deteriorate, with the lowest oxygenation index reaching only 80mmHg. Ultimately, she underwent tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Chest CT revealed rapid progressive interstitial changes in her lungs, and her hands showed noticeable fraternization changes. At this point, we suspected that the novel coronavirus infection might be associated with autoimmune diseases. The patient's autoimmune antibody spectrum showed positive results for anti-recombinant RO-52 antibody and myositis-specific antibody anti-alanyl tRNA synthetase (anti-PL-12). The patient was treated with dexamethasone sodium phosphate for anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. After successful extubation, the patient was discharged with only oral prednisone tablets at a dose of 30 mg.

This case presents an early diagnosis and successful treatment of anti-synthetase syndrome combined with SARS-Cov-2 infection, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive physical examination. Additionally, it highlights the rapid progression of interstitial lung disease under SARS-Cov-2 infection, which is often difficult to distinguish on imaging. In cases where treatment for SARS-Cov-2 infection is ineffective, early screening for autoimmune diseases is recommended. As there is currently no standardized method for treating AS-ILD, the successful treatment of this case provides a reference for clinical research on anti-synthetase syndrome in the later stage.