Antisynthetase syndrome

Disease Overview

Antisynthetase syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the muscles and various other parts of the body. The signs and symptoms can vary but may include muscle inflammation (myositis), polyarthritis (inflammation of many joints), interstitial lung disease, thickening and cracking of the hands, and Raynaud phenomenon. The exact underlying cause is unknown; however, the production of autoantibodies (antibodies that attack normal cells) that attack certain enzymes in the body called ‘aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases’ appears to be linked to the cause of the syndrome. These autoantibodies may arise after viral infections, or patients may have a genetic predisposition. Treatment is based on the signs and symptoms present in each person but may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressive medications, and/or physical therapy.[9477][9478][9479][11593]

Synonyms

• Anti-Jo1 syndrome
• AS syndrome