A link between lung injury and inflammatory myopathies: making the diagnosis

Pulmonary fibrosis associated with various connective tissue diseases often presents insidiously but can progress to rapid deterioration. Previous studies have shown that, in the patients with connective tissue diseases, the presence of pulmonary fibrosis has prognostic implications and therefore early detection may be essential in the management of these patients. Our case outlines the close association between pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic polymyositis. We report the findings of a patient who presented with slow onset progressive exercise dyspnea followed by proximal muscle weakness and joint and skin changes.