Bronchial artery embolization in management of hemoptysis: Safety and efficacy

Abstract

Massive hemoptysis has a mortality rate of >50%. The source of massive hemoptysis is the bronchial circulation in the majority of patients. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is considered the most effective non-surgical tool for management of recurrent and/or massive hemoptysis. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of BAE for management of recurrent and/or massive hemoptysis. Methods and Material: This study included 21 patients with recurrent and/or massive hemoptysis as a prospective cohort study. All patients underwent CXR, MDCT angiography, bronchial catheter angiography, and BAE was performed for 16 patients. Statistical analysis used: Data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 15. Qualitative data was presented as number and percent. Results: Fourteen patients were males, 7 females with age ranging from 27–75 years for both, Post-TB complications (43%) & bronchiectasis (33%) were the most common causes of hemoptysis, followed by idiopathic hemoptysis (9.5%), lung cancer and mycetoma in (4.8%) for each. Immediate success was achieved in (100%) of patients, long term success (56%), while recurrence of hemoptysis was observed in (44%). The most common complication was femoral puncture site pain in (56%) of our patients, followed by chest pain (32%), fever & nausea (16%), arterial dissection (16%) of patients, neurological (12%) and dye reaction (4%). Conclusions: Bronchial artery embolization is an effective and safe non-surgical procedure for management of massive and/or recurrent hemoptysis with no serious complications.

Keywords

• Bronchial artery embolization
• Tuberculosis
• Hemoptysis