Understanding and managing anti-MDA 5 dermatomyositis, including potential COVID-19 mimicry

Anti-Melanoma Differentiation-Associated gene 5 (MDA-5) Dermatomyositis (MDA5, DM) is a recently identified subtype of myositis characteristically associated with Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease (RP-ILD) and unique cutaneous features. We reviewed PubMed, SCOPUS Web Science databases selected 87 relevant articles after screening 1485 search results, aiming to gain better understanding the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment approaches anti-MDA-5 DM described in literature. The etiopathogenesis speculatively linked an unidentified viral trigger on background genetic predisposition culminating acquired type I interferonopathy. phenotype highly varied different ethnicities, new features having been described, expanding spectrum cases that should raise suspicion DM. Unfortunately, diagnosis frequently missed despite excessive mortality, calling for wider awareness suspect symptoms. RP ILD major determinant survival, being largely based observational studies recent insights into aggressive combined immunosuppression at outset.