Bronchial artery embolization in patients with hemoptysis: outcome and predictors of success

Oh, Jin Young; Lee, Sei Won; Kang, Young Ae; Yoon, Young Soon; Yoo, Chul Gyu; Kim, Young Whan; Han, Sung Koo; Shim, Young Soo; Yim, Jae Joon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is one of the indispensible options for treatment of hemoptysis. Although it has been used increasingly, relatively little has been described about the factors related to its success. The aim of this study was to elucidate the outcomes of BAE and the various predictors of its success.
METHODS
A retrospective review of clinical records and radiographic findings was performed for patients with hemoptysis who received BAE in Seoul National University Hospital from July 1, 1998 to June 30, 2003. Success of BAE was defined as a cessation of hemoptysis within first week, and recurrence of BAE as relapse of hemoptysis during the follow-up period after successful BAE.
RESULTS
One hundred and thirty patients who received BAE were enrolled for analysis: 85 (65%) were men and the median age was 49 years. The mean follow-up duration was 30 months. Out of 130 patients, 40 (31%) had sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis, 14 (11%) had fungus ball complications involving sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis, 21 (16%) active tuberculosis, 10 (8%) lung cancer, 21 bronchiectasis (16%), and 24 (19%) miscellaneous diseases. Success of BAE was observed in 110 patients (85%), and recurrence in 29 (26%). Among parameters analyzed, patients who achieved success of BAE had significantly shorter duration between admission and receiving BAE than the rest (3.1 +/- 4.1 vs. 6.4 +/- 14.1days, p=0.04).
CONCLUSION
BAE was very effective for patients with hemoptysis and shorter duration between admission and applying BAE improved success rates of BAE.