An Unusual Case of Secondary Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis in Recently Diagnosed Anti-MDA5 Positive Amyopathic Dermatomyositis

Abstract

Amyopathic dermatomyositis (AMD) is a subtype of dermatomyositis characterized by more prominent involvement of the skin rather than muscle and often positive for melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) antibodies. The most frequent pulmonary involvement in MDA-5 positive AMD is nonspecific interstitial pneumonia. However, rare cases of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) have also been reported. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with AMD presenting with shortness of breath and dry cough was eventually diagnosed with secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. This case underscores the multidisciplinary approach and diagnostic challenges associated with the diagnosis of PAP secondary to the rarity of the condition.