Bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis: a single institutional experience

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) offers a minimally invasive procedure has become a mainstay treatment choice of hemoptysis. Most common causes of massive or recurrent hemoptysis in our country include tuberculosis with or without bronchiectasis. The aim of our study to evaluate patients with acute severe or chronic recurrent hemoptysis admitted to ourpulmonology clinic and referred to BAE. A total of 38 patients (34 male and 4 female) with life-threatening or clinically significant hemoptysis due to tuberculosis or bronchiectasis underwent bronchial artery embolization between June 2011 and December 2016. Hemoptysis was considered severe in 15 (% 40) patients. Two patients have active tuberculosis in the time of admission for hemoptysis. Immediate success was achieved in 36 (95%) patients. Recurrence of hemoptysis during first 2-years occurred in a total of 19 (50%) patients. The procedure-related complications were self-limited except a case with major complication-paraplegia. Our results suggest that BAE is a safe and effective treatment for severe or chronic recurrent hemoptysis secondary to the active or sequelae tuberculosis.