Respiratory bronchiolitis associated interstitial lung disease (RB-ILD) presenting with haemoptysis

Respiratory bronchiolitis associated interstitial lung disease is an uncommon condition in current or ex-smokers. The presentation is non-specific, but haemoptysis is uncommonly reported in this condition. We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with significant haemoptysis, dyspnoea, reduced transfer factor and normal clinical examination. In addition, a Medline literature search was performed to review the clinical features and prognosis of this disease. Other causes of haemoptysis were excluded with extensive investigation. The diagnosis was made on thoracoscopic lung biopsy. The patient had significant postoperative complications of prolonged air leak and hydropneumothorax requiring further surgery and prolonged hospital stay. Advice regarding smoking cessation was given. Her pulmonary physiology remains abnormal on follow up but symptoms have improved. Respiratory bronchiolitis-ILD may present with normal examination and radiology. Haemoptysis in this case may have been associated with the underlying disease but could have been incidental. Diagnosis, in general, requires lung biopsy. As in this patient, lung function does not appear to improve significantly on follow up.