Propylthiouracil-induced alveolar haemorrhage associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody

Abstract

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is known to cause vasculitis as a rare complication. We report the case of a patient who developed alveolar haemorrhage and haematuria whilst treated with PTU. The serum was positive for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) with myeloperoxidase (MPO) specificity (MPO-ANCA). All symptoms resolved completely after discontinuation of PTU. Alveolar haemorrhage or pulmonary-renal syndrome associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody with myeloperoxidase specificity may be a new complication of propylthiouracil therapy.