A fatal case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and literature review. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abdalla, Abubaker O.; Al-Khafaji, Jaafar; Akella, Pydi M.; Taha, Mohamed
• Is Part Of: Respiratory medicine case reports. Volume 24(2018)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 57
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory Tract Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory System -- Periodicals; Chest -- Diseases; Respiratory organs -- Diseases; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rmcr.2018.04.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2213-0071

Abstract

Abstract: Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a rare fatal pulmonary complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The clinical syndrome is characterized by hemoptysis, acute fall in hematocrit, hypoxemic respiratory failure, and diffuses pulmonary infiltrates. We describe a case of 23-year-old female who presented with Ludwig's angina that was complicated by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage as the initial presentation of undiagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus. A high index of suspicion is need for prompt diagnosis and treatment in order to avoid the high mortality associated with such cases.