Methimazole-induced antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated diffuse alveolar haemorrhage in a Chinese woman with Graves' disease

Hong Kong Med J. 2009 Jun;15(3):209-12.

Abstract

We report on a case of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage in a Chinese woman due to methimazole-induced antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. A literature search for anti-thyroid drugs associated with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-induced diffuse alveolar haemorrhages is reviewed. Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage is a rare complication of thiourea agents and the treatment often requires corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants, together with withdrawal of the causative agent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / blood*
  • Antithyroid Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antithyroid Agents / therapeutic use
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Graves Disease / drug therapy*
  • Graves Disease / epidemiology
  • Hemorrhage / epidemiology
  • Hemorrhage / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / epidemiology
  • Lung Diseases / immunology*
  • Methimazole / adverse effects*
  • Methimazole / therapeutic use
  • Pulmonary Alveoli*
  • Vasculitis / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Antithyroid Agents
  • Methimazole