J Korean Radiol Soc.  1994 Sep;31(3):465-470.

Chronic Recurrent Hemoptysis: Effectiveness of Bronchial Artery Embolization in 25 Patients

• Kim YS
• Kim YG
• Kim KS
• Shim HJ
• Lee JI
• Wang CH
• Hymn Y

Abstract

PURPOSE
Bronchial artery embolization has been effective in the treatment of massive hemoptysis. The purpose of this study was to report the effectiveness of bronchial artery embolization in patients with chronic recurrent hemoptysis intractable to medical treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study included 25 patients who were admitted for treatment of chronic recurrent hemoptysis with bronchial artery embolization. Chronic recurrent hemoptysis was defined as condition intractable to medical treatment persistently and occuring over two times per two months. The target vessels for embolization were selected in consideration of the results of aortography as well as the finding of chest radiography and bronchoscopy. After selective arteriography for embolization by using 5-French Simmons catheter, embolic agents(mainly polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) and additionally gelfoam and coils) were released through the catheter. The results of the embolization were assessed with the review of medical records. RESULT: The causes of the hemoptysis were pulmonary tuberculosis(n=12,48%), bronchiectasis(n=6,24%), aspergilloma(n=3,12%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(n=2,8%), chronic bronchitis(n=I,4%) and lung abscess(n=1,4%). Selective embolization was carried out in 49 sites(42 in bronchial artery and 7 in nonbronchial systemic collaterals). Early success rate within 2 months was 96%. After long-term follow up study (6-30 months, average 15 months), complete remission was 72%, partial remission 12% and recurrence 12% respectively. During and after embolization, major complications such as spinal cord injury or bronchial wall necrosis was not found. Minor complications were chest pain, shoulder pain and chilling sense, which were relieved spontaneously within a few days.
CONCLUSION
High success rate and relatively low recurrence with no significant complication were achieved with bronchial artery embolization in the patients complaining of chronic recurrent hemoptysis.

MeSH Terms

Angiography
Aortography
Bronchial Arteries*
Bronchoscopy
Catheters
Chest Pain
Follow-Up Studies
Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable
Hemoptysis*
Humans
Lung
Medical Records
Necrosis
Polyvinyls
Radiography
Recurrence
Shoulder Pain
Spinal Cord Injuries
Thorax
Polyvinyls