Intra-Alveolar Haemorrhage Complicating IgA Vasculitis: A Case Report, Literature Review and Discussion of Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Immunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is a small-vessel vasculitis with IgA-dominant immune deposits. IgAV frequently involves the skin, gastrointestinal tract, joints and kidneys. In contrast to other types of small-vessel vasculitis, IgAV is rarely complicated by intra-alveolar haemorrhage (IAH). Methods/Results: We describe a patient with relapsing bladder cancer who presented with IAH during the course of IgAV successfully treated with corticosteroids alone. Conclusion: This case report reminds us that IgAV can manifest with IAH. There are no robust data to support the systematic use of cyclophosphamide or plasma exchange as first-line therapy for IgAV with IAH.

Keywords

• IgA vasculitis
• Henoch-Schönlein purpura
• intra-alveolar haemorrhage
• cancer