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Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Pediatric idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis diagnosed by sputum analysis: plain radiography and computed tomography
Ercan Kocakoc1, Adem Kiris, Yasar Sen
1Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Firat University, Elazig, Turkey. ekocakoc@hotmail.com
Insights
Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare lung disorder. Early diagnosis with chest X-rays and CT scans is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing severe hemorrhage.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Rare Diseases
Background:
- Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare pediatric disorder.
- Characterized by recurrent hemoptysis, iron deficiency anemia, and diffuse parenchymal infiltration on chest radiographs.
- Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in children presenting with these symptoms.
Observation:
- A 14-year-old girl presented with chronic cough, dyspnea, fatigue, and bloody sputum.
- Initial chest X-rays showed consolidation; CT revealed ground glass patterns and increased density.
- Sputum analysis confirmed hemosiderin-laden macrophages.
Findings:
- Presumptive diagnosis of IPH was made.
- Treatment with prednisolone led to symptom improvement within 5 days.
- Radiographic findings showed marked improvement after 1 month of treatment.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis of IPH is essential in pediatric patients with hemoptysis and bilateral lung infiltrates.
- Considering IPH can prevent unnecessary antibiotic use and reduce the risk of fatal hemorrhage.
- This case highlights the importance of integrating clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings for diagnosing rare conditions.
Objective:
Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is an uncommon disorder, which is characterized by recurrent hemoptysis, iron deficiency anemia and diffuse parenchymal infiltration on chest radiographs in pediatric patients. We wish to present clinical and radiological (plain radiography and CT) findings of this rare pathology.
Clinical Presentation And Intervention:
A 14-year-old girl was admitted to the pediatric emergency department with complaints of cough, dyspnea, fatigue and bloody sputum for 6 months. She had been hospitalized 3 times during this period and received antibiotics and blood transfusion. Chest X-rays revealed prominent perihilar and bibasilar consolidation. CT showed a ground glass pattern and consolidated areas with increased density. Sputum analysis yielded hemosiderin-laden macrophages. With presumptive diagnosis of IPH, prednisolone was administered. Her symptoms improved on the 5th day of treatment and 1 month later, plain chest radiography demonstrated marked improvement.
Conclusion:
Although IPH is a rare condition, the diagnosis of IPH should be considered, among others, in a patient with hemoptysis and bilateral infiltration in the chest X-ray. This may prevent antibiotic misuse and risk of death due to severe hemorrhage.
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