Fatal Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Pneumonitis Associated With Amyopathic Dermatomyositis and CD8 T Lymphocytes

Abstract

A patient with amyopathic dermatomyositis associated with fatal rapidly progressive interstitial pneumonitis resistant to therapy is described. Pathologic examination of a transbronchial lung biopsy specimen showed diffuse alveolar damage and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia-organizing pneumonia-like findings. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid contained many CD8+ lymphocytes, considered to be cytotoxic T cells. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in this case may provide prognostically and pathogenetically important information.