Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis misdiagnosed as haemolytic anaemia: a case report

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis is a rare disease primarily affecting children. The condition is characterized by widespread bleeding from alveolar capillaries, resulting in symptoms such as haemoptysis, shortness of breath and iron deficiency anaemia. However, it is not a specific disease and sometimes can manifest solely as anaemia, which may be easily overlooked and misdiagnosed. The purpose of this case report was to describe a 1-year-old boy who exhibited haemolytic anaemia as the only symptom of idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis, with the intention of offering clinical insights into the precise diagnosis and subsequent management of this rare and easily misdiagnosed disease. Clinicians should keep idiopathic pulmonary haemosiderosis in mind when evaluating children with haemolytic anaemia and promptly initiate testing and treatment to prevent misdiagnosis and improve outcomes.