Tension Pneumomediastinum in Anti-MDA5 Antibody-positive Dermatomyositis-associated Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody-positive dermatomyositis (DM)associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) can sometimes be complicated by pneumomediastinum, although tension pneumomediastinum is extremely rare. We herein report a case of anti-MDA5 antibody-positive DM-ILD that worsened subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema during treatment. Hypotension and worsening respiratory failure were observed on day 20 of treatment. Mediastinal drainage under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery promptly improved the patient's circulatory and respiratory status. Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare complication; however, it is a serious condition that may lead to hypotension or cardiac arrest and requires a prompt diagnosis and treatment.