Diffuse interstitial lung disease revealing anti-synthetase syndrome: about two cases

Anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS) is an inflammatory myopathy commonly associated with pulmonary involvement, especially parenchymal (diffuse infiltrative pneumonitis). Extrathoracic manifestations associated with pulmonary involvement can give an indication to the diagnosis: myalgias, polyarthralgias, Raynaud's syndrome, eiythematous palmar hyperkeratosis with fissures and fever. Given the suggestive clinical and radiological picture, the presence of aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) synthetase antibodies enables to confirm, in particular, Anti Jo-1 antibody activity. Pulmonary involvement is a major prognostic factor, hence the indication for intensive immunosuppressive therapy based on corticosteroids, immunosuppressive medications or the association among them. A better awareness about this disorder revealed by pulmonary manifestations could enable early and adequate management and to improve patient's prognosis.