[Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis in adults]

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare cause of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage characterized by abnormal deposition of hemosiderin iron in the macrophages of alveoli. Most cases occur in children. In adults, IPH is rare: almost 10 cases reported during the late 10 years. We report the case of a 20-year-old-girl with IPH. There was no evidence of pulmonary vasculitis or capillaritis. Long-term treatment with systemic corticosteroids was followed by clinical remission lasting 4 years.