Steven K. Goldberg

Clinical diagnosis of massive hemoptysis using the fiberoptic bronchoscope

Pulmonary resection, when possible, is the conventional treatment of massive hemoptysis. Alternatives include bronchial artery embolization, Fogarty catheter balloon tamponade, and pharmacologic approaches. We used endotracheal intubation and flexible bronchoscopy to locate the bleeding site in three of four patients with massive hemoptysis. These cases are used to review the etiology of massive hemoptysis and the usefulness of flexible bronchoscopy to localize the source of hemorrhage.

Fatal alveolar hemorrhage and Abciximab (ReoProTM) therapy for acute myocardial infarction

We describe two cases of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and development of ARDS in patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with stenting in whom Abciximab (ReoPro) was used in combination with other agents interfering with the hemostatic mechanism. The development of pulmonary infiltrates, associated with a fall in hemoglobin after the administration of Abciximab, should strongly suggest the possibility of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Physicians should be aware of the possible association between the use of Abciximab and the development of alveolar hemorrhage.

Hypercapnia complicating massive pulmonary embolism.

An elevated PaCO2 is distinctly unusual in pulmonary embolic disease. We report 2 patients with massive pulmonary emboli complicated by hypercapnia in the absence of underlying chronic obstructive lung disease. Profound alterations in ventilation/perfusion matching and reduced cardiac output are probable mechanisms of this gas-exchange problem.

Procainamide-induced lupus lung disease characterized by neutrophil alveolitis

Bronchoalveolar lavage demonstrated a flux of neutrophils into the lung of a patient with procainamide-induced lupus pulmonary disease. Serial lavage studies have shown persistent low-grade alveolitis despite the absence of clinical, serologic, and radiographic evidence of disease activity.