Seized by Blood: A Case of Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema Presenting As Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage

Cureus. 2024 Aug 20;16(8):e67308. doi: 10.7759/cureus.67308. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) is a condition that is characterized by acute onset respiratory distress that uncommonly can cause diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). Our case is based on a 41-year-old female with a past medical history of seizure disorder who presented for shortness of breath and hemoptysis after a seizure. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the lungs revealed patchy ground glass subpleural airspace opacities bilaterally with increased secondary pulmonary lobule interstitial thickening. With concerns for DAH, a bronchoscopy was performed and revealed sequentially bloody aliquots. Infectious and autoimmune testing was negative. This case highlights a rare form of DAH arising from NPE.

Keywords: dah; hemoptysis; neurogenic pulmonary edema; non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema; seizure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports