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.