Treatment of Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia and Systemic Sclerosis with Corticosteroids and Immunosuppressants

Abstract

A 66-year-old male ex-smoker presented with fatigue and non-productive cough, as well as a 2-year history of ground-glass opacities. Deterioration on chest radiography and increased Krebs von den Lungen-6 levels coincided with the progression of diffuse ground-glass opacities on high-resolution computed tomography. Surgical lung biopsy revealed features consistent with desquamative interstitial pneumonia. Concurrent skin hardening and presence of anti-Scl-70 antibodies supported the diagnosis of systemic sclerosis. Treatment with oral corticosteroids proved to be effective, leading to radiographic improvement. The subsequent administration of cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil stabilized disease progression.