Diffuse pulmonary small nodular and patchy infiltrates on chest X-ray with hemoptysis: TB or not TB?-a call for scale up of respiratory medicine services in African TB high burden countries: a case of idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis

Abstract

Tuberculosis is still one of the most common respiratory diseases in Africa and worldwide and miliary tuberculosis is a regular manifestation of it. Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis is a rare disease entity, presenting in children as well as adults. It is characterized by the triad of recurrent episodes of alveolar hemorrhage, presenting as hemoptysis, iron deficiency anemia and bilateral pulmonary infiltrates seen on chest X-ray. These symptoms and signs can easily be confused for other diseases i.e. miliary tuberculosis, delaying appropriate management. The etiology of idio-pathic pulmonary hemosiderosis remains unclear. Diagnosis is established by lung biopsy, re-vealing hemosiderin laden macrophages in the alveoli. Treatment during an acute episode in-cludes corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressive therapy, as well as supportive measures. Long-term follow-up is essential.