J Korean Radiol Soc.  1992 Aug;28(4):505-512.

Bronchial artery embolization: clinical analysis of 129 cases

• Sung YS
• Suh KJ
• Kim YJ

Abstract

Bronchial artery embolization is well-accepted and widely used for management of massive and recurrent hemoptysis. This may either provide a definite therapeutic measure or a stabilizing effect on the patents in preparation for surgery. Retrospectively we reviewed 129 cases(106 patients) of bronchial artery embolization with Gelfoam pudding & Ivalon for control of hemoptysis from July 1985 to january 1991. The causes of hemoptysis were pulmonary tuberculosis(80.2%). Bronchiectasis(11.3%), asperigilloma(2.8%), and others(5.7%). The cases of pulmonary tuberculosis included tuberculous bronchiectasis (40.0%), active(34.1%), undetermined(14.1%) and inactive(11.8%). @ES The results were as follows: @EN Immediate control of hemoptysis was achieved in 104 of 122 cases(85.2%). Immediate control of massive hemoptysis was achieved in 94 of 107 cases(87.6%) and of chronic intermittent hemoptysis in 10 of 15 cases(76.0%). Hemoptysis recurred in 39 of 90 follow up cases(43.3%) on follow-up studies performed ranging in period from 2 to 49 month after the initial studies. Thirty three of 81 cases of massive hemoptysis recurred(40.7%) and six of 9 cases of chronic intermittent hemoptysis recurred(67.0%). One years rebleeding rate of massive hemoptysis was 34.6%. The rebleeding cases of massive hemoptysis were controlled by conservative treatment in 25 of 33 cases(75.8%). In conclusion. Bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis control is effective in massive hemoptysis, but nearly ineffective in chronic intermittent hemoptysis, The goal of bronchial artery embolization is lifesaving procedure without permanent effect. Especially hemoptysis related to pulmonary tuberculosis.

MeSH Terms

Bronchial Arteries*
Bronchiectasis
Follow-Up Studies
Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable
Hemoptysis
Retrospective Studies
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary