A case of polymyositis complicated with interstitial pneumonitis and pneumomediastinum.

Abstract

Pneumomediastinum as a complication of interstitial pneumonia with leakage of air into the mediastinum or subcutaneous tissues is a rare complication of dermatomyositis (DM). Herein we report a case of pneumomediastinum complicating polymyositis (PM), which is usually associated with DM. A 61-year-old man was hospitalized in our department because of deterioration of interstitial pneumonia. Treatment with high-dose corticosteroid and cyclosporin A steadily improved his interstitial pneumonia. Two weeks later, he developed subcutaneous emphysema and chest X-ray showed pneumomediastinum. Both subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum improved gradually without any additional treatment.

• Authors: Hiroshi Maruoka, Seiyo Honda, Masaaki Takeo, Hirohiko Kitazato, Noriko Hanai, Ryuusuke Ayukawa, Katsuichiro Tanaka, Takaaki Fukuda, Hisamichi Aizawa
• Journal: Modern rheumatology (Mod Rheumatol) Vol. 16 Issue 1 Pg. 55-7 ( 2006) ISSN: 1439-7595 [Print] England
• PMID: 16622727 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Antirheumatic Agents
• Cyclosporine
• Prednisolone

Topics

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antirheumatic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cyclosporine (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Lung Diseases, Interstitial (complications, drug therapy, etiology)
• Male
• Mediastinal Emphysema (etiology, therapy)
• Middle Aged
• Polymyositis (complications)
• Prednisolone (therapeutic use)