A patient with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: A diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a usual presentation of pulmonary vasculitis. However, several rare conditions have a similar presentation. We present a 73-year-old man with DAH whose diagnosis only became conclusive near the end of his life. The objective is to discuss the important differential diagnoses in a patient presenting with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. There are very few case reports on pulmonary angiosarcoma and all of them discussed the rarity of the diagnosis, presentation, and treatment. Here, we would like to bring about the dilemma and challenges we internists face when managing any patient with Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage.

Keywords

• Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage
• Hemothorax
• Pulmonary angiosarcoma
• Diagnostic dilemma
• Pulmonary vasculitis