Chest ImagingIdiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis
condition most common in children and young adults characterized by recurrent episodes of
diffuse intra-alveolar
haemorrhage, associated with dyspnoea, anaemia and sometimes fever. Pathology shows haemosiderin-laden macrophages in the alveolar spaces and interstitium, with
fibrosis developing in patients with repeated episodes of
haemorrhage. Radiographs show patchy bilateral
consolidation with clearing over several days, accompanied by the development of
interlobular septal thickening. Idiopathic
pulmonary haemosiderosis is distinguished from
Goodpastures syndrome by an absence of
renal abnormalities and antibasement membrane antibodies, and has a better prognosis.
RW