Generalized Convulsion Complicating Acute Diffuse Pulmonary Hemorrhage: The Report of a Rare Case.

OBJECTIVE

The immediate complications associated with a generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizure usually involve injuries such as aspiration pneumonia, head injury, skull or vertebral fracture and orolingual biting injury. Here we present a young man who suffered from GTC that was followed by a rare complication, acute diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage, which presented with massive hemoptysis and subsequent respiratory failure.

METHODS

An 18-year-old boy developed a GTC convulsion that lasted for about two minutes and then regained consciousness 15 minutes later. Another GTC convulsion occurred four hours later for about two minutes. Upon admission, coughing with blood clots was noted and was initially imputed to a bite wound affecting the tongue. However, massive hemoptysis developed soon after. A chest X-ray showed diffuse consolidation of the bilateral lungs. He was transferred to the intensive care unit and was intubated immediately owing to acute respiratory failure. A further chest CT also showed extensive consolidation of the bilateral lungs, mainly in the central and posterior portions. Bronchoscopy showed diffuse tracheal and bronchial erythematous mucosa and post-hemorrhage changes. Laboratory surveys for autoimmune disease, infectious disease, tuberculosis and intoxication gave normal results. After treatment with anticonvulsants, antibiotics and corticosteroids, he was stabilized and extubated on the 5th day of hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

The disease entity of acute diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage is similar to neurogenic pulmonary edema. Physicians should be aware of this extremely rare but life-threatening complication, namely seizure-related acute diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. The patient's response to respiratory support and corticosteroid is usually quite satisfactory.