Pulmonary haemorrhage and extensive arterial thrombosis with anabolic steroid abuse

Abstract

Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AASs) are commonly implicated in thromboembolic events but rarely cause diffuse alveolar haemorrhage. We report the case of a Caucasian man in his late 40s who was consuming supratherapeutic doses of AAS and presented with shortness of breath and haemoptysis. Chest imaging showed bilateral patchy infiltrates in the lungs with diffuse blood throughout the airways on bronchoscopy. Extensive infectious and autoimmune workup were unremarkable. The patient then developed right foot ischaemia and was found to have extensive aortic and bilateral lower extremity arterial thrombosis. Anticoagulation was attempted despite haemoptysis. Thrombectomy procedures were unsuccessful and the patient eventually developed worsening rhabdomyolysis requiring intubation and bilateral amputation. His clinical condition continued to worsen and he passed away 10 days after admission. This case highlights the rare synchronous occurrence of two life-threatening complications secondary to anabolic steroid abuse which can pose a significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians.