Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis: report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare disorder affecting mainly children and adolescents, and is usually fatal. However, there is increasing evidence that the aetiology of this condition is immunological, and that immunosuppressives may prolong remission. Two cases are reported, one of which has the atypical feature of a malabsorption syndrome. This has not been previously reported. The literature is reviewed and current ideas on the postulated immunological basis to IPH are discussed.