Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis in an adult

Abstract

We report a very, rare case of idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis (IPH) occurring in a 68 yr old patient. Following alveolar haemorrhage onset, the diagnosis was obtained by a process of elimination, after clinical, endoscopic, cytohistological and laboratory investigations. The immunoglobulin G directed against myeloperoxidase antigen (C-ANCA), which was detected, can be regarded as indicative of an occult vasculitis to be followed up. Current therapy and perspectives for idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis patients are discussed herein.