| Title | [Fibrosing alveolitis with hepatitis C-related cryoglobulinemia] | | Author(s) | Witte L, Rupp J, Heyer P, Dalhoff K, Schaaf B | | Institution | Medizinische Klinik III, Universität zu Lübeck. | | Source | Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2008 Apr; 133(14):709-12. | | MeSH | Azathioprine
Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulins
Glucocorticoids
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C Antibodies
Humans
Immunosuppression
Immunosuppressive Agents
Lung
Male
Middle Aged
Prednisolone
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Radiography, Thoracic
Respiratory Function Tests
Rheumatoid Factor
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Treatment Outcome
| | Abstract | HISTORY AND ADMISSION
FINDINGS: A 56-year-old man presented with fever, myalgia and weakness of the limbs for four weeks. The physical examination showed a skin rash, hepatomegaly and reduced mobility of the limbs due to pain. INVESTIGATION: Laboratory tests revealed an elevated rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulins and were positive for hepatitis C-antibodies. The lung function tests indicated mild obstruction and a moderate decrease of diffusion capacity. Bronchoalveolar lavage showed lymphocytic alveolitis. Computed tomography of the thorax revealed mediastinal lymphadenopathy, diffuse ground-glass infiltrates and bilateral signs of fibrosis in the lower lung fields.
DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: Because of the fibrosing alveolitis associated with hepatitis C-related cryoglobulinemia, immunosuppression was started with high-dosage prednisone and azathioprine. The symptoms improved on this treatment.
CONCLUSION: Hepatitis C-related cryoglobulinemia is a rare condition that usually presents with nonspecific symptoms. Severe pulmonary involvement is very uncommon. There are no general guidelines about treatment. | | Language | ger | | Pub Type(s) | Case Reports
English Abstract
Journal Article
| | PubMed ID | 18363189 |
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