Pulmonary capillaritis is defined as a histopathologic pattern of alveolar wall inflammation
that leads to the disruption of the integrity of alveolar-capillary basement membranes
and flooding of the alveoli with blood. The clinical presentation is that of diffuse
alveolar hemorrhage (DAH). Pulmonary capillaritis is usually the consequence of an
underlying immune-mediated process that is systemic in nature. Rarely, pulmonary capillaritis
occurs in isolation. This article outlines a systematic approach to the management
of patients presenting with DAH, and provides an overview of specific causes of pulmonary
capillaritis.
Pulmonary capillaritis - pulmonary vasculitis - small vessel vasculitis - diffuse
alveolar hemorrhage