[Pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome after inhalation of cocaine]

Frequency of recreational abuse of cocaine is increasing. We report the case of a patient who developed an acute anemia associated with an alveolar hemorrhage after repeated inhalation of cocaine. He presented with daily hemoptysis and dyspnea. Chest-X ray and CT scan showed bilateral micronodular opacities. The fibroscopic alveolar lavage fluid showed fresh blood. DLCO/VA was 117% predicted. With oxygen therapy and no blood transfusion the evolution was positive within 48 hours, without relapse. The occurrence of hemoptysis in subjects who inhale cocaine must lead to suspect cocaine induced-pulmonary hemorrhage.