Anti‐PL‐12 anti‐synthetase syndrome manifesting with multiple digital ischemia: Case report & review of the literature

Abstract

Key Clinical MessageAcute digital ischemia is a rare manifestation of anti‐synthetase syndrome in the absence of Raynaud's phenomenon. A high index of suspicion may result in early diagnosis and better clinical outcomes.AbstractA 61‐year‐old male patient was admitted to the hospital for worsening arthralgias with morning stiffness lasting hours, as well as left sided headaches, and jaw pain while eating. He had significant weight loss and subjective fever at home. Multiple fingers and toes were noted to be ischemic. His laboratory workup was pertinent for significantly elevated inflammatory markers, and mild Creatinine kinase elevation. Chest imaging and later lung biopsy were notable for organizing pneumonia. Conventional angiogram showed evidence of significant digital disease without collaterals. Subsequent autoimmune screening tests with extended myositis‐specific and myositis‐associated panels revealed a strongly positive anti‐PL‐12 antibody and moderately positive anti‐ SSA‐52KD IgG ab. After ruling out infectious etiologies and malignancy, anti‐synthetase syndrome (ASyS) diagnosis was considered in the presence of ischemic digits, organizing pneumonia, polyarthralgia, constitutional symptoms, increased inflammatory markers and positive antibodies. The patient was treated with high dose prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil along with amlodipine and sildenafil for digital vasodilation. Acute digital ischemia may be the first manifestation of ASyS with ILD. A high index of suspicion is warranted for early diagnosis and better outcomes.