Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage associated with low molecular weight heparin

Abstract

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) has a varied etiology, including anticoagulation drugs. There is conflicting evidence whether low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has a low risk of bleeding complications compared to unfractionated heparin.We report here a case of DAH in a 74-year-old woman who was administered enoxaparin, a LMWH, after bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Although congestive heart failure after blood transfusion and fluid infusion could in part be associated with the bleeding, LMWH may be a major cause of DAH since the patient quickly recovered after its cessation. DAH should be of concern when acute respiratory failure with ground-glass shadow develops in both lungs during anticoagulation therapy with LMWH.