[Purpura lesions and alveolar infiltrates: propylthiouracil-induced vasculitis]

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage secondary to propylthiouracil-induced vasculitis

Propylthiouracil is a drug used to treat hyperthyroidism. It can cause several side effects including pulmonary disorders that, although rare, can be severe. The authors describe the case of a woman treated with propylthiouracil who developed diffuse alveolar haemorrhage with severe respiratory failure and anaemia, which improved with discontinuation of the antithyroid drug and on starting systemic corticosteroid therapy.