Fatal alveolar hemorrhage and Abciximab (ReoPro) therapy for acute myocardial infarction.

We describe two cases of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and development of ARDS in patients who underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with stenting in whom Abciximab (ReoPro) was used in combination with other agents interfering with the hemostatic mechanism. The development of pulmonary infiltrates, associated with a fall in hemoglobin after the administration of Abciximab, should strongly suggest the possibility of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. Physicians should be aware of the possible association between the use of Abciximab and the development of alveolar hemorrhage.