Anti-Ro52–associated interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features in a young woman: a case report

Background. Interstitial pneumonia with autoimmune features (IPAF) represents a subset of interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients who show autoimmune features but do not meet the criteria for a defined connective tissue disease. Anti-Ro52 antibody, a common serological marker in this group, is often associated with ILD and myositis-related features. Case presentation. We report a case of a young woman who presented with a six-month history of dyspnea, dry cough, chest pain, and polyarthralgia. Her examination revealed hyperpigmented scaly lesions on her hands and toes resembling mechanic’s hands. Auscultation showed bibasal crackles. HRCT of the chest demonstrated multifocal ground-glass opacities with traction bronchiectasis, suggestive of early ILD. The autoimmune profile revealed strongly positive anti-Ro52 antibodies. A diagnosis of anti-Ro52–associated IPAF was made. The patient improved symptomatically with corticosteroids, a steroid-sparing agent, and supportive care. Discussion. Anti-Ro52 positivity is increasingly recognized in CTD-ILD, particularly within the myositis/antisynthetase spectrum. Conclusion. Early recognition and timely immunosuppression may prevent progression and improve outcomes.