Up in smoke: An unusual case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage from marijuana

Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
M I ShafiD Auckley

Abstract

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) can be a serious and life threating condition. Illicit substance use has been associated with DAH, with cocaine being the most widely reported. Marijuana use has been associated with pulmonary complications in the form of pneumomediatsium, pneumothorax, bullous disease, and pulmonary aspergillosis. We present a case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) resulting from marijuana inhalation, a finding rarely described in the literature. A 21-year-old male presented with several episodes of hemoptysis after drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana. He reported smoking 5-8 joints per day of marijuana (he denied use of bongs or other inhalant aids). His respiratory exam revealed bilateral fine rales. Laboratory evaluation included leukocytosis with left shift, normal platelets, coagulation profile, and a urine toxicology screen positive for tetrahydocanabinoid (THC). Chest CT revealed bilateral diffuse alveolar infiltrates suggestive of DAH. A bronchoscopy with BAL of bilateral upper lobes consistent with DAH with negative microbiologic studies, hemosiderin laden macrophages were present. Additional workup included a normal Echocardiogram, negative autoimmune serologies. His hemoptysis resolved with su...Continue Reading

Citations

Dec 5, 2019·Frontiers in Pediatrics·Laura BucchinoSimonetta Bellone

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
bronchoalveolar
lavage

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