Steroid-Responsive Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis in Adulthood: A Case Report.

Krishnan E Namboothiri; Deependra Rai Kumar; Somesh Thakur; Javeeria Shabbir; Jisha G Panicker; Thaodem Collin

doi:10.51168/pbcmz963

Authors

Dr. Krishnan Namboothiri.E Senior Resident, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS PATNA, Bihar , India
Dr. Deependra Kumar Rai Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS, Patna, Bihar, India
Dr. Somesh Thakur Additional Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS PATNA, Bihar, India
Dr. Javeeria Shabbir Senior Resident, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS PATNA,Bihar , India
Dr. Jisha G. Panicker Senior Resident, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS PATNA,Bihar , India
Dr. Thaodem Collin Senior Resident, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS PATNA,Bihar , India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/pbcmz963

Keywords:

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, hemoptysis, corticosteroids, case report

Abstract

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare cause of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), most commonly reported in children but occasionally seen in adults.

Case Presentation: We describe a 30-year-old woman with recurrent hemoptysis, anemia, and dyspnea for two years. Investigations revealed iron deficiency anemia, diffuse ground-glass opacities on HRCT, and hemosiderin-laden macrophages on bronchoalveolar lavage. Transbronchial biopsy confirmed pulmonary hemosiderosis. She was treated with oral corticosteroids (0.75 mg/kg/day), resulting in complete clinical and radiological resolution within one month.

Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering IPH in adults presenting with unexplained DAH and anemia, particularly in tuberculosis-endemic regions. Early recognition and corticosteroid therapy can lead to favorable outcomes.

References

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