FDG PET/CT Findings of Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease in a Patient With Anti-MDA5 Dermatomyositis

Anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis is associated with an increased risk of developing rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease with a high mortality. We describe FDG PET/CT findings in a case of rapidly progressive noninfectious interstitial lung disease associated with anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis. The lung disease showed bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities with diffuse heterogeneous FDG activity predominantly in middle and lower zones, mimicking infectious pneumonia. Familiarity with the imaging features of this rapidly progressive noninfectious interstitial lung disease can help to suggest the diagnosis and guide appropriate management.