Systemic Arterial Embolization for Hemoptysis

Most patients in the United States with life-threatening hemoptysis have chronic pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis; in other parts of the world, tuberculosis is more common. In either case, bleeding sites are typically perfused by one or several bronchial arteries. Patients face significant mortality from asphyxiation when massive hemoptysis is untreated; embolization is appropriate in anyone with severe hemoptysis and is commonly life-saving. It should not be restricted to patients with severe hemoptysis only; it may also be appropriate for some patients with mild hemoptysis and coexistent severe respiratory compromise.

SUGGESTED READINGS

• 1 Sidhu M, Wieseler K, Burdick T R, Shaw D WW. Bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis.  Semin Intervent Radiol. 2008;  25 310-318
• 2 Yoon W, Kim J K, Kim Y H, Chung T W, Kang H K. Bronchial and nonbronchial systemic artery embolization for life-threatening hemoptysis: a comprehensive review.  Radiographics. 2002;  22(6) 1395-1409