Antisynthetase Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Rare Overlapping Disease

Makhlouf Yasmine, Miladi Saoussen, Fazaa Alia, Sallemi Mariem, Ouenniche Kmar, Leila Souebni, Kassab Selma, Chekili Selma, Zakraoui Leith, Ben Abdelghani Kawther and Laatar Ahmed

Department of Rheumatology, Mongi Slim Hospital, Tunisia

^*Correspondance to: Makhlouf Yasmine 

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Abstract:

The association between Antisynthetase Syndrome (ASS) and rheumatoid arthritis is extremely rare. In this case report, we are describing a 16 years long standing history of seropositive RA before its uncommon association to an ASS. A 55-year-old female patient presented at the first visit with symmetric polyarthritis and active synovitis affecting both hands and ankles. Laboratory investigations showed positive rheumatoid factors, positive anti-CCP antibodies and negative ANA. The X-rays were consistent with typical erosive in hands. Thus, the patient fulfilled the ACR 1987 criteria of RA in 2000 at the age of 37. Methotrexate was firstly prescribed. However, it was ineffective after 4 years. Then, the patient did well with Leflunomide until January 2017, when she developed exertional dyspnea. High-resolution CT of the lung revealed Nonspecific Interstitial Pneumonia (NSIP). Autoantibodies against extractable nuclear antigens were screened and showed positive results for anti-Jo1 autoantibodies. She was diagnosed with ASS complicating the course of RA.

Keywords:

Antisynthetase syndrome; Rheumatoid arthritis; Overlap syndrome; Nonspecific interstitial pneumonia

Cite the Article:

Yasmine M, Saoussen M, Alia F, Mariem S, Kmar O, Souebni L, et al. Antisynthetase Syndrome and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Rare Overlapping Disease. Ann Clin Case Rep. 2020; 5: 1860.