Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis: favorable response to corticosteroids

J Chin Med Assoc. 2008 Aug;71(8):421-4. doi: 10.1016/S1726-4901(08)70094-7.

Abstract

A 50-year-old Taiwanese woman had a history of massive hemoptysis occurring every 6 months for the past 4 years. After each bout of hemoptysis, chest roentgenography would show diffuse alveolar infiltration of bilateral lungs, which would usually resolve within 7 days. Transbronchial biopsy revealed diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and hemosiderin-laden macrophage infiltration. Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis was diagnosed by excluding other glomerular, cardiac and immunological disorders. An initial dose of 20 mg prednisolone daily was tapered to 10 mg daily 1 month later. The patient is currently undergoing steroid therapy, and there have been no further episodes of hemoptysis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / blood
  • Female
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Hemosiderosis / complications
  • Hemosiderosis / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Prednisolone