Anti-EJ Antisynthetase Syndrome Associated with Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection

Antisynthetase Syndrome is a rare type of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. It is characterized by interstitial lung disease, non-erosive arthritis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and mechanic’s hands. Diagnosis is confirmed with the detection of an antibody directed against amino-acyl transferase RNA. Opportunistic infections are common causes of mortality in patients with autoimmune diseases. Immunosuppressive treatment further contributes to the risk of infection. We report, for the first time in the literature, a 62-year-old woman diagnosed with Anti-EJ antisynthestase syndrome who died from disseminated mycobacterial tuberculosis infection. This case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment of opportunistic infections in order to decrease mortality.