A 30-year-old pregnant patient with massive haemoptysis and influenza A: Atypical presentation of a common pathogen

Abstract

A 30-year-old woman presented at 19 weeks of gestation with symptoms of sore throat, rhinorrhea and haemoptysis that progressed to massive haemoptysis. Her medical history included asthma and a history of smoking prior to pregnancy. Investigations revealed no obvious cause of bleeding. Right lower lobe lobectomy was performed, given the suspicion of a lesion within the intermediate bronchus. The patient developed adult respiratory distress syndrome around 36 h postoperatively. Polymerase chain reaction testing on bronchoalveolar lavage samples was positive for influenza A. Therapy with oseltamivir was initiated. She was discharged two weeks later. This is a rare case of a severe complication from seasonal interpandemic influenza during pregnancy, which underscores the importance of immunization for pregnant women.