Ayurvedic Management of Antisynthetase Syndrome Initially Treated as Amavata

Abstract

Antisynthetase Syndrome (ASS) is a rare autoimmune disorder categorized under idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, characterized by the presence of anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase antibodies. It commonly manifests with arthritis, interstitial lung disease (ILD), and myositis. However, in many patients, arthritis may be the sole or early manifestation, often leading to a misdiagnosis of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. This case describes a 47-year-old male who was initially diagnosed and treated as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis in the line of Amavata chikitsa as per Ayurvedic principles. The patient responded remarkably well to Ayurvedic interventions aimed at Amapachana, Agnideepana, and Vatashamana. However, on further evaluation, the case was confirmed as Antisynthetase Syndrome, highlighting the diagnostic overlap between these autoimmune entities and underscoring the relevance of Ayurvedic treatment principles in alleviating inflammatory symptoms irrespective of nomenclature.