Microcytic hypochromic anemia in idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis: a diagnostic pitfall.

Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis (IPH) is a rare, life-threatening disease of uncertain etiology, characterized by recurrent intra-alveolar hemorrhages and usually afflicting young adults or children(l). Symptoms of lung hemorrhage are often few and atypical(2). Consequently, the condition may go unrecognized for a few years or months, presenting as recurrent iron deficiency anemia with no actual hemoptysis(3). Failure to diagnose and treat the syndrome in early stages could result in progression and eventual respiratory failure because of pulmonary fibrosis(4). This commnunication shares the exprience of three cases of IPH, diagnosed over a two year