Role of bronchial artery embolisation in chronic recurrent haemoptysis

Introduction: Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) involves selective bronchial artery angiography, followed by embolisation of identified abnormal vessels. It is useful in massive haemoptysis. But there are only a few literatures on its use in chronic recurrent haemoptysis. Aims and objectives: To assess the efficacy and safety of BAE in the management of chronic recurrent haemoptysis. Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients with chronic recurrent haemoptysis who underwent BAE between January 2007 and January 2012 in a tertiary care hospital. The decision to offer BAE and its timing was jointly made after assessment by respiratory physician and interventional radiologist. Results: 63 patients, (39 males and 24 females), underwent BAE for chronic recurrent haemoptysis during the period of study. Mean age of patients was 32.5 years (range: 18-81 years). Maximum number of patients recruited in this study had active pulmonary tuberculosis (29 cases – 46.0%). Amongst them, five patients had MDR, and one case had XDR-TB. 18 (28.5%) patients had bronchiectasis. Malignancy was the cause of haemoptysis in 7 (11.1%) cases. Mycetoma was present in 5 (7.9%) cases. One patient (1.5%) had lung abscess. BAE was successful in 58 (92.1%) cases. Bleeding stopped in 3 more patients following repeat procedure within a period of 48 hours. There was no major complication. Three patients had a short period of self limiting febrile illness. Three other patients developed local haematoma which improved following compression of the local part. Conclusions: BAE is an effective means of controlling chronic recurrent haemoptysis. It is also a safe procedure.