ABSTRACT
A 24-year-old man presented to the emergency department with fever, maculopapular rash, myalgia and polyarthralgia, thoracic pain and dry cough, which had been present for 24â h. At the time of observation he had high fever (39°C), maculopapular rash on the torso, arms and legs proximally, axillary adenopathies and pharyngitis. Laboratorial data showed elevated inflammation markers (leukocytosis, C reactive protein of 44â mg/dL, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 120â mm), elevated transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin levels (>2000â ng/mL) and rising troponin. ECG had sinus rhythm and ST elevation in leads V1-V5. Thoracic radiography revealed bilateral interstitial infiltrate confirmed by CT scan. Echocardiographic findings included diffuse hypokinesia of the left ventricle and impaired systolic function. After the investigation of an infectious or autoimmune aetiology was negative, the diagnosis of adult-onset Still's disease was considered. The patient was put on a 60â mg/day prednisolone regimen with remission of symptoms and normalisation of systolic function and ECG.