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Playing saxophone induced diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: a case report
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St Martin De Porres Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|July 1, 2009
Summary
Playing the saxophone for extended periods can cause diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), a condition similar to exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). This case resolved spontaneously without medical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
Background:
- The blood-gas barrier's thinness is crucial for gas exchange but makes it vulnerable to mechanical stress from increased capillary pressure.
- Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) is common in horses and suspected in humans.
Observation:
- A healthy 65-year-old male experienced diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) after playing the saxophone continuously for 6 hours.
- Symptoms included hemoptysis, crackles, and bilateral radiographic infiltrates.
Findings:
- High-resolution computed tomography confirmed DAH.
- Bronchoscopy revealed bilateral bronchial abnormalities, and histopathology of bronchoalveolar lavage supported the diagnosis.
Implications:
- This is the first reported instance of DAH induced by saxophone playing.
- The condition followed a benign course, resolving spontaneously without medical treatment.
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