Abstract:

Objective To assess the clinical features and associated factors of interstitial lung disease （ILD） in patients with dermatomyositis （DM）. Methods Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed on 206 patients with DM collected at the Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University in the past 6 years. Chi-square test and t test were performed for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of ILD was 49.03% in the 206 patients with DM. Heliotrope rash on the upper eyelids, Gottron′s sign （papules）, arthralgia, and cough were correlated with the incidence of ILD in DM patients（all P < 0.05）, and of these factors, the prevalence of artharalgia and cough were positively correlated with the incidence of ILD, while the presence of Gottron′s papules was negatively correlated. The patients with DM and ILD showed a higher prevalence of abnormal serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase （LDH）, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase （HBDH） and anti-Jo-1 antibodies, as well as with a poorer pulmonary function, compared with those suffering from DM only（all P < 0.05）. Characteristic imaging findings on computed tomography （CT） scan in patients with DM and ILD included linear opacity （57.4%）, high-density patchy opacity （31.7%）, reticular opacity （16.8%） and even ground glass-like opacity （13.8%）, usually at the bottom or apex of the lungs. Conclusions In patients with DM, the prevalence of artharalgia and cough is positively correlated, whereas the presence of Gottron′s papules is negatively correlated, with the incidence of ILD. Characteristic imaging findings on CT scan in patients with DM and ILD are linear opacity, high-density patchy opacity, reticular opacity and ground glass-like opacity at the bottom and apex of lungs.

Key words: CT scan