Diagnostic Challenge of Anti-MDA5 Myositis with Respiratory Failure During COVID-19 Pandemic

Anti-MDA5 antibodies are strongly associated to clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis. Patients frequently develop an interstitial lung disease (ILD) that can lead to respiratory failure. The poor prognosis makes the early and accurate diagnosis crucial. Herein, we report the case of a patient who experienced a delayed diagnosis and presented with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure. In the current context of COVID-19 pandemic, this clinical presentation may pose a problem of differential diagnosis. This case throws light on the importance of testing for anti-MDA5 antibodies in hypomyopathic patients presenting with rapidly progressive ILD.