Myositis-associated interstitial lung disease

Abstract

Introduction/ObjectiveTo review the epidemiology, general clinical aspects and diagnosis, impact on morbidity and mortality, and general treatment approaches for myositis-associated ILD. Materials and methodsThe relevant literature was reviewed. ResultsThe clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) are similar to idiopathic ILD. Patients with a known diagnosis of myositis require prompt clinical evaluation including the determination of myositis-associated autoantibodies. Patients possessing autoantibodies associated with ILD or those with any pulmonary symptoms should undergo a pulmonary function test and high-resolution CT (HRCT) scanning of their lungs. ConclusionDespite the lack of placebo-controlled trials, systemic glucocorticoids are considered the mainstay of initial treatment of myositis-associated ILD. Glucocorticoid-sparing agents are often concomitantly administered, particularly in patients with severe disease. The first-line conventional immunosuppressive drugs include either mycophenolate mofetil or azathioprine. If these agents fail or if the pulmonary features are severe or rapidly progressive, then more aggressive immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory therapy including cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus or cyclosporine, rituximab, IVIg, or tofacitinib can be considered. Further investigations are required to assess the role of novel therapies in the treatment of myositis-associated ILD.