A case of nonspecific interstitial pneumonia associated with amyopathic dermatomyositis efficiently treated with a combination of cyclosporin A and prednisolone

: A 36-year-old man was admitted to our hospital complaining of cough, dyspnea on exertion, skin eruptions, and joint pain. Characteristic skin lesions such as erythema around the nails, telangiectasis, and edema of the eyelids were observed in this patient. He had never complained of muscle symptoms, and his laboratory examinations showed no elevation of either CPK or aldolase. From several lines of evidence including the skin biopsy findings, amyopathic dermatomyositis was diagnosed. Chest X-ray films showed subpleural funicular opacities and consolidation in both lower lung fields. Lung biopsy specimens taken under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, group II. Oral prednisolone treatment was initiated at 60 mg daily together with oral cyclosporin A (100-150 mg daily). The minimum serum concentration of cyclosporin A was maintained between 100 and 200 ng/ml. Respiratory symptoms gradually improved, and the oral prednisolone dose was tapered off. Pulmonary function and chest CT findings showed marked improvement.