A delayed diagnosis of late-onset pulmonary hemorrhage in a toddler with Henoch-Schönlein purpura after regression of skin rash: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE: Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare but fatal complication of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), and more easily ignored in children than in adults due to the absence of clinically evident hemoptysis. Moreover, despite being sporadically reported, given that pulmonary hemorrhage may develop after regression and even disappearance of skin rash, the asynchronous progression of skin and lung lesions poses escalating challenges in the timely diagnosis. We herein presented a delayed diagnosis of late-onset pulmonary hemorrhage in a child with HSP after regression of purpuric rash. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 6-year and 3-month child with a history of self-resolved purpuric rash three weeks ago, presented acutely with cough and dyspnea but without fever. DIAGNOSES: The decreased hemoglobin and diffuse ground-glass opacities of both lungs on CT scan weren’t comprehensively evaluated. The child was initially misdiagnosed as pneumonia. INTERVENTIONS: Antibiotic treatment was initiated. However, no improvement of respiratory status was found following aggressive combination therapy. Bronchoscopy was subsequently performed. OUTCOMES: An diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with low inflammatory profile was noted after a bronchoscopy. Considering the history of HSP, the diagnosis of HSP-associated pulmonary hemorrhage was ultimately confirmed and the patient received corticosteroids with satisfactory results. LESSONS: Pulmonary hemorrhage could occur in children with HSP at late onset of disease after regression of skin rash. New-onset respiratory symptoms in patients with a history of HSP should heighten suspicion for pulmonary hemorrhage, particularly if presenting with lack of fever, sudden drop of hemoglobin, new pulmonary infiltrates and unresponsiveness to antibiotics therapy. Bronchoscopy should be performed early to confirm the diagnosis, specifically for children.