Summary
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is a rare connective tissue disease frequently involving the lungs. The main characteristic is a systemic sclerosis-like picture of slowly progressing interstitial lung disease consistent with lung fibrosis, while pulmonary arterial hypertension is rare. Herein, we present a case of a newly diagnosed MCTD patient developing life-threatening acute pneumonitis similar to lupus pneumonitis. Previous literature on this exceptionally rare complication of MCTD is reviewed and differential diagnosis and management discussed.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Tani C, Carli L, Vagnani S, et al. The diagnosis and classification of mixed connective tissue disease. J Autoimmun. 2014;48–49:46–9.
Gunnarsson R, Aaløkken TM, Molberg Ø. Prevalence and severity of interstitial lung disease in mixed connective tissue disease: a nationwide, cross-sectional study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2012;71(12):1966–72.
Gunnarsson R, Andreassen AK, Molberg Ø. Prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in an unselected, mixed connective tissue disease cohort: results of a nationwide, Norwegian cross-sectional multicentre study and review of current literature. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013;52(7):1208–13.
Pego-Reigosa JM, Medeiros DA, Isenberg DA. Respiratory manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus: old and new concepts. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2009;23(4):469–80.
Takeda T, Tsutsumi A, Ogura N, et al. A case of mixed connective tissue disease with acute interstitial pneumonitis. Nihon Rinsho Meneki Gakkai Kaishi. 1995;18(3):303–7.
Fernandes C, Bungay P, O’Driscoll BR, Herrick AL. Mixed connective tissue disease presenting with pneumonitis and pneumatosis intestinalis. Arthritis Rheum. 2000;43(3):704–7.
Watanabe Y, Koyama S, Moriguchi M, et al. Rapidly progressive respiratory failure in mixed connective tissue disease: report of an autopsy case. Intern Med. 2012;51(24):3415–9.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rath, E., Zandieh, S., Löckinger, A. et al. Life-threatening acute pneumonitis in mixed connective tissue disease: a case report and literature review. Wien Klin Wochenschr 127, 792–794 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-015-0823-6
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-015-0823-6