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Digital clubbing associated with polymyositis and interstitial lung disease
K W Grathwohl1, J W Thompson, K K Riordan
1Pulmonary/Critical Care Service, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash., USA.
Abstract:
Clubbing of the fingers is commonly associated with interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Although ILD occurs in as many as 40% of patients with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), clubbing of the digits has never been reported to occur in patients with PM/DM and ILD. We report the first case of clubbing associated with PM/DM and ILD.
Insights
Finger clubbing, a known sign of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs), is reported here for the first time in a patient with polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and ILD. This finding expands the clinical presentation of PM/DM-associated ILD.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) are a known complication of polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM), affecting up to 40% of patients.
- Digital clubbing is a recognized clinical sign frequently associated with various ILDs.
Observation:
- This report details the first documented case of digital clubbing in a patient diagnosed with both polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).
Findings:
- The co-occurrence of digital clubbing with PM/DM and ILD has not been previously described in medical literature.
- This case highlights an unusual manifestation within the spectrum of ILD associated with autoimmune myopathies.
Implications:
- This finding may prompt clinicians to consider digital clubbing as a potential sign in patients with PM/DM and ILD.
- Further research may explore the underlying mechanisms linking PM/DM, ILD, and digital clubbing.