Hematologic disorders affecting the lungs

Pulmonary involvement by hematologic disorders can occur through any number of mechanisms involving abnormalities of the fluid phase of hemostasis, quantitative or qualitative defects in the cellular components, and direct and indirect involvement of the malignancies derived from the hematopoietic system. Consideration of possible mechanisms through which the blood can alter pulmonary physiology and result in recognizable disorders, such as pulmonary hemorrhage, thromboembolism, fibrosis, or obstruction, can lead to more rapid and appropriate diagnosis. Further work aimed at diagnosis and management of hematologic disorders, prior to the development of pulmonary manifestations, will enable us to prevent the long-term sequelae. Intervention aimed at relieving the acute pulmonary symptoms followed by long-term management of the hematologic disease can result in significantly improved prognosis and quality of life for our patients who have manifested pulmonary symptoms secondary to a hematologic disease.