Arterial Embolization for Management of Hemoptysis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Our purpose in this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries for the control of hemoptysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with massive or recurrent hemoptysis underwent percutaneous transcatheter embolotherapy between 1991 and 1993. Retrospectively we reviewed 77 cases of bronchial artery embotization and 32 cases of nonbronchial systemic artery embolization in the 70 patients. RESULTS: Immdiate control of hemoptysis was achieved in 33 of 39 patients with massive hemoptysis(84.6%) and 20 of 24 patients with recurrent hemopt ysis(83.3%). In 32 cases, nonbronchial systemic arteries contributed significantly to areas of pathologic pulmonary tissue and frequently were the major arterial supply. CONCLUSION: Bronchial artery embolization is an effective and life saving procedure in non-surgical candidates. Recognition and occlusion of nonbronchial systemic arteries that feed to hypervascular pulmonary lesions is essential for successful percutaneous embolotherapy of hemoptysis.