Diffuse Alveolar Haemorrhage Complicated by Pulmonary Embolism—Problems with Treatment

Justyna Fijołek,Lilia Jakubowska,Kazimierz Roszkowski-Sliz,Pawel Kuca,Elzbieta Wiatr,Malgorzata Polubiec-Kownacka

doi:10.5603/arm.2017.0056

Abstract

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) refers to a clinical syndrome resulting from injury of the alveolar capillaries, arterioles and venules leading to red blood cel accumulation in the distal air spaces. The conditions associated with DAH and underlying disease determine the prognosis and the treatment regimen. The coexistence of DAH with venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a seroius problem for clinicians and poses a challenge in the therapeutic management. We describe a young patient who developed massive DAH in the course of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease (formerly called Goodpasture's syndrome) complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE).

Highlights

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a potentially life-threatening manifestation requiring aggressive treatment [1]
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication of systemic vasculitis that poses a challenge in the therapeutic management when it occurs in patients with active haemorrhage [2]
We describe the young patient who developed massive DAH in the course of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE)

Summary

Introduction

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a potentially life-threatening manifestation requiring aggressive treatment [1]. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication of systemic vasculitis that poses a challenge in the therapeutic management when it occurs in patients with active haemorrhage [2]. We describe the young patient who developed massive DAH in the course of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease (formerly called Goodpasture’s syndrome) complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE).

Results

Conclusion