Anti-melanoma Differentiation-associated Gene 5 Antibody-positive Dermatomyositis Presenting as Refractory Gingivitis at the First Clinical Manifestation

Intern Med. 2024 Jan 1;63(1):131-134. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1621-23. Epub 2023 May 17.

Abstract

We herein report a case of melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis that developed in a patient with refractory gingivitis. The diagnosis of anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis was made based on a characteristic skin rash, weakness of proximal muscles, interstitial pneumonia, and positivity for anti-MDA5 antibody. The patient was started on triple therapy with high-dose prednisolone, tacrolimus, and intravenous cyclophosphamide. After treatment, the refractory gingivitis disappeared, and the other skin rash and interstitial lung disease also improved. In the diagnosis and treatment of anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis, it is necessary to pay attention to the intraoral findings, including the gingiva.

Keywords: anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody; dermatomyositis; gingivitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Dermatomyositis* / complications
  • Dermatomyositis* / diagnosis
  • Dermatomyositis* / drug therapy
  • Exanthema*
  • Gingivitis* / diagnosis
  • Gingivitis* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Interferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / drug therapy
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial* / etiology

Substances

  • Interferon-Induced Helicase, IFIH1
  • Autoantibodies