Alveolar haemorrhage syndromes

Details

Serval ID
serval:BIB_CF683C158D56
Type
A part of a book
Publication sub-type
Chapter: chapter ou part
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
Alveolar haemorrhage syndromes
Title of the book
Orphan Lung Diseases
Author(s)
Lazor R.
Publisher
European Respiratory Society
Address of publication
Plymouth
ISBN
ISBN: 978-1-84984-013-2
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2011
Editor
Cordier J.F.
Volume
54
Series
European Respiratory Society Monograph
Chapter
2
Pages
15-31
Language
english
Abstract
Alveolar haemorrhage (AH) is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition characterised by diffuse blood leakage from the pulmonary microcirculation into the alveolar spaces due to microvascular damage. It is not a single disease but a clinical syndrome that may have numerous causes. Autoimmune disorders account for fewer than half of cases, whereas the majority are due to nonimmune causes such as left heart disease, infections, drug toxicities, coagulopathies and malignancies. The clinical picture includes haemoptysis, diffuse alveolar opacities at imaging and anaemia. Bronchoalveolar lavage is the gold standard method for diagnosing AH. The lavage fluid appears macroscopically haemorrhagic and/or contains numerous haemosiderin-laden macrophages. The diagnostic work-up includes search for autoimmune disorders, review of drugs and exposures, assessment of coagulation and left heart function, and search for infectious agents. Renal biopsy is often indicated if AH is associated with renal involvement, whereas lung biopsy is only rarely useful. Therapy aims at correction of reversible factors and immunosuppressive therapy in autoimmune causes, with plasmapheresis in selected situations.
Create date
21/03/2012 0:28
Last modification date
20/08/2019 16:49
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