Acute haemoptysis, fever and abdominal pain in an adolescent from northern Australia
Acute haemoptysis, fever and abdominal pain in an adolescent from northern Australia
Thorax
- Author(s): Yeoh, Daniel K., Ford, Timothy J., Chua, Joanna, Bennamoun, Miriam, Blyth, Christopher C., Campbell, Anita J., Hamsanathan, Prasanthy, Harkin, Ben, King, Jovanka, Matthews, Lisa, McLeod, Charlie, Warren, Rebecca, Bowen, Asha C., Thompson, Melanie J., Schultz, André
- Published: 2021
Abstract: Our team was referred a 14-year-old, previously healthy, immunised aboriginal boy from a remote community in northern Western Australia. He had been admitted to the local community hospital 10 days previously and while there developed haemoptysis, fever and epigastric abdominal pain so was transferred to our care at the regional hospital for ongoing investigation and management.Haemoptysis is an uncommon presentation in adolescence. It can be caused by infection (eg, bronchiectasis, pneumonia, lung abscess or tuberculosis), trauma (eg, lung contusion, foreign body or inhalation injury), vascular disorders (eg, pulmonary embolus, arteriovenous malformation or haemangioma), late complications of congenital lung malformations, coagulopathy or one of the diffuse alveolar haemorrhage syndromes.1 Additionally, bleeding from the upper airway or gastrointestinal tract can mimic haemoptysis.Demographic considerations are important in this case. Bronchiectasis and rheumatic heart disease, both of which may present with haemoptysis, have increased prevalence in aboriginal children in Australia. In addition, Burkholderia pseudomallei is endemic and pulmonary infection can mimic tuberculosis.An infectious aetiology is favoured here in view of the history of fever.He had initially been admitted to the local hospital with presumed bacterial meningitis following presentation with headache, fever and meningism 10 days prior. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) prior to antibiotics demonstrated elevated white cell count (WCC) 550/mm3 (90% neutrophils) and protein (0.84 g/L), with negative microscopy and culture for bacteria, and negative PCR testing for bacteria and viruses. Intravenous ceftriaxone (ongoing) and dexamethasone 0.15 mg/kg four times a day (total 4 days) had been administered, with rapid resolution of symptoms.Following transfer to our care (day 1), examination showed normal respiratory rate and oxygen saturations (SaO2=98%); a productive cough with a moderate amount of blood-stained sputum was noted. The respiratory examination (including upper airway) was otherwise unremarkable. There was mild right upper quadrant abdominal tenderness …