Anti–Jo-1–Positive Antisynthetase Syndrome and Myocarditis: An Underrecognized Clinical Presentation

Abstract

Antisynthetase syndrome is a distinct entity of overlap myositis in adults and is characterized by muscle weakness, arthritis, mechanic's hands, interstitial lung disease, and Raynaud phenomenon. Despite several published cases and cohorts, myocarditis is an underrecognized disease manifestation, which often presents as acute chest pain or progressive shortness of breath and heart failure. Identifying myocardial involvement as a potential feature of antisynthetase syndrome is crucial to using the correct treatments. We present 2 patients with antisynthetase syndrome and myocarditis, their hospital courses, and treatments as well as a literature review. Early diagnosis of myocarditis in antisynthetase syndrome patients can be life-saving.