Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage: Wegener's Granulomatosis Relapse after Inadequate Treatment

GE Carpagnano, D Lacedonia,

Abstract

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) represent the most common Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis. The treatment modalities indicated for the initial manifestations are steroids and cyclophosphamide therapy. Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage is a life- threatening though rare complication of GPA. A case of GPA with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and hypoxemic respiratory failure is reported, as the manifestation of the disease, after inadequate drug regimen and that responded to aggressive cyclophosphamide and steroids therapy and non invasive mechanical ventilation.