Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40629571›Full record

ArticleMedicine2025

Autoimmune-associated hemophagocytic syndrome complicated by anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis successfully treated with immunosuppressive therapy: A case report.

Riko Kamada, Makoto Hibino, Hikari Higa, Shigehiro Watanabe, Kazunari Maeda, Noriyoshi Ishikawa, Takuya Kakutani, Tetsuri Kondo

Abstract readCase Reports
In one paragraph

Article in Medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Riko KamadaDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa 251-0041, Kanagawa, Japan.
Makoto HibinoDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa 251-0041, Kanagawa, Japan.ORCID 0000-0002-1638-5027
Hikari HigaDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa 251-0041, Kanagawa, Japan.
Shigehiro WatanabeDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa 251-0041, Kanagawa, Japan.
Kazunari MaedaDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa 251-0041, Kanagawa, Japan.
Noriyoshi IshikawaDepartment of Pathology, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa 251-0041, Kanagawa, Japan.
Takuya KakutaniDivision of Rheumatology, Shonan Kamakura General Hospital, Kamakura 247-8533, Kanagawa, Japan.
Tetsuri KondoDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Shonan Fujisawa Tokushukai Hospital, Fujisawa 251-0041, Kanagawa, Japan.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

rationaleAnti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis is frequently complicated by rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease and may present with life-threatening hemophagocytic syndrome, a critical but often under-recognized complication. Prompt diagnosis and intervention are essential to improve patient outcomes. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 38-year-old Japanese woman presented with fever, arthralgia, erythema, and elevated liver enzymes. Physical examination revealed chilblain-like erythema, Gottron and reverse Gottron signs, and tenderness in the thighs. DIAGNOSES: Blood tests revealed pancytopenia and elevated soluble interleukin-2 receptor and ferritin levels. Bone marrow aspiration showed macrophage activation and hemophagocytosis. Imaging revealed ground-glass opacities in both lower lung lobes and bilateral thigh myositis. The presence of anti-MDA5 antibodies led to the diagnosis of anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis complicated by autoimmune-related hemophagocytic syndrome. Liver biopsy suggested cytokine storm-mediated hepatocyte damage and macrophage infiltration.

interventionsThe patient received steroid pulse therapy, tacrolimus, and intravenous cyclophosphamide. OUTCOMES: Pancytopenia and liver dysfunction improved significantly following treatment. The patient was transitioned to outpatient care. After 4 years of follow-up, during which she received 6 courses of cyclophosphamide, steroids, and tacrolimus were successfully tapered off, and she remained in remission without recurrence. LESSONS: This case underscores the importance of early recognition of hemophagocytic syndrome in patients with anti-MDA5-positive dermatomyositis. Prompt bone marrow evaluation and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy may lead to favorable long-term outcomes. Further studies are warranted to establish standardized treatment strategies for autoimmune-related hemophagocytic syndrome.

Indexed as

DermatomyositisImmunosuppressive AgentsInterferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1Lymphohistiocytosis, HemophagocyticAdultAutoantibodiesCyclophosphamideFemaleHumansAutoantibodiesCyclophosphamideIFIH1 protein, humanImmunosuppressive AgentsInterferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositishemophagocytic syndromehyperferritinemialiver dysfunctionrapidly progressive interstitial pneumonia

Identifiers

PMID40629571
PMCPMC12237349

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