Idiopathic Pulmonary Hemosiderosis Without Anemia

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) has generally been associated with a persistent hypochromic anemia.¹ During the protracted course of the disease, particularly during clinical remission, the hematologic abnormalities may be minimal.² A complete restoration of normal hemoglobin levels is unusual, and most observers have alluded to a chronic anemic state during periods of clinical remission.³ The classic case comes to the attention of a physician because of symptoms related directly or indirectly to anemia. We have had the opportunity to study two cases of adult pulmonary hemosiderosis in which there was no evidence of anemia over a period of years despite a persistent pulmonary infiltration. It is the purpose of this report to compare the clinical and pathologic observations in these two patients to those made previously in IPH. Report of Cases Case 1. —A 29-year-old Negro male was referred to the hospital because of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates