Massive pulmonary hemorrhage in polyarteritis nodosa (PN); report of a case

Abstract

We report a case of massive pulmonary hemorrhage which emerged in the course of polyarteritis nodosa (PN). Pulmonary hemorrhage was the major manifestation which determined the mortality of this patient, though severe renal failure concurrently developed. The diagnosis of PN should be considered in all cases of pulmonary hemorrhage coexisting with renal failure. As pulmonary hemorrhage can be life-threatening, early diagnosis is essential for the prompt start of adequate therapy.