Dermatomyositis With Dual Positive Anti-melanoma Differentiation-Associated Gene 5 and Anti-Sjogren Syndrome-Related Antigen 52 kD Antibodies: A Case Report and Literature Review on Clinical Characteristics

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA 5) is one of the subtypes of dermatomyositis associated with rapidly progressive lung disease. MDA 5 carries a high mortality risk due to respiratory failure. The exact pathophysiology is unclear, but it is linked to genetic predisposition and viral triggers with the associated innate response and cytokine production like interleukins IL-1,6,18, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferons. It is usually treated with anti-cytokines, high-dose steroids, immunosuppressants, and plasma exchange. Due to the atypical presentation and rapidity of the disease course, the diagnosis is often delayed. We report a 39-year-old female presenting with rapidly progressive lung disease secondary to an aggressive form of dermatomyositis.