Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhaging with Hypertensive Emergency: A Rare but Important Cause of Hemoptysis

Abstract

Hypertensive emergency, which occurs even in young adults, induces systemic organ damage and results in a poor prognosis. We herein report the case of a 27-year-old man who developed alveolar hemorrhaging with hypertensive emergency. He presented with bloody sputum, renal failure, and extremely high blood pressure (200/128 mmHg). Chest computed tomography revealed diffuse bilateral alveolar infiltrates suggestive of diffuse alveolar hemorrhaging. After intensive therapy with anti-hypertensive drugs, the alveolar hemorrhaging disappeared. Renal impairment was partially reversed. Therefore, we conclude that hypertensive emergency should be considered as a possible cause of hemoptysis, even in young adults.