Anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody associated rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease in a pediatric patient: a case report

This case demonstrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in patients with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease in the context of anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 associated juvenile dermatomyositis, who may not present with overt muscle and cutaneous features of juvenile dermatomyositis and whose lung disease can progress very rapidly. A high index of suspicion among clinicians is critical, and expedited diagnostic serology may assist with earlier diagnosis and initiation of therapy. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can be utilized as a bridge to diagnosis in the setting of severe refractory hypoxemic respiratory failure. However, despite aggressive treatment, the prognosis remains challenging.