[Hemoptysis as manifestation of a Helicobacter pylori infection].

A 14-year-old girl was transferred to our unit after 6 weeks of repeating episodes of what was thought to be 'hemoptysis'. Apart from discrete nausea, she did not have any other complaints. The episodes of 'hemoptysis' occurred once every 3 days, mostly in the late evening. The physical examination was strictly normal. A thorough investigation revealed a chronic active gastritis and Helicobacter pylori infection. No lung disease could be confirmed. Treatment consisted of a combination therapy with amoxycillin (50 mg/kg/day orally in 3 doses) and colloidal bismuth subcitrate (120 mg orally, 3 times daily) during a period of 1 week. Together with the clearance of Helicobacter pylori and healing of the chronic active gastritis, as demonstrated by histology, the symptoms disappeared. An eradication of the microorganism was obtained. Since that time, she has had no further similar complaints. This case reflects an atypical presentation of Helicobacter pylori infection.