Bronchial and nonbronchial systemic artery embolization for life-threatening hemoptysis: a comprehensive review

Efficacy and safety of super selective bronchial artery coil embolisation for haemoptysis: a single-centre retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

Evidence on the safety and long-term efficacy of super selective bronchial artery embolisation (ssBAE) using platinum coils in patients with haemoptysis is insufficient. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and the 3-year postprocedure haemoptysis-free survival rate of de novo elective ssBAE using platinum coils rather than particles for the treatment of haemoptysis.

DESIGN

A single-centre retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Hemoptysis and Pulmonary Circulation Center in Japan.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 489 consecutive patients with massive and non-massive haemoptysis who underwent de novo elective ssBAE without malignancy or haemodialysis.

INTERVENTIONS

ssBAE using platinum coils. All patients underwent CT angiography before the procedure for identifying haemoptysis-related arteries (HRAs) and for procedural planning.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The composite of the 3-year recurrence of haemoptysis and mortality from the day of the last ssBAE session. Each component of the primary end point and procedural success defined as successful embolisation of all target HRAs were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 69 years, and 46.4% were men. The total number of target vessels was 4 (quartile 2-7), and the procedural success rate was 93.4%. There were 8 (1.6%) major complications: 1 aortic dissection, 2 symptomatic cerebellar infarctions and 5 mediastinal haematoma cases. The haemoptysis-free survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier analysis at 86.9% (95% CI 83.7% to 90.2%) at 1 year, 79.4% (74.8% to 84.3%) at 2 years and 57.6% (45.1% to 73.4%) at 3 years. Although not statistically significant by the adjusted analysis of variance with multiple imputation of missing variables, cryptogenic haemoptysis tended to show the most favourable outcome and non-tuberculous mycobacterium showed the worst outcome (adjusted p=0.250).

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the safety and long-term efficacy of elective ssBAE using platinum coils and established that it can be a valuable therapeutic option for treating patients with haemoptysis.

Bronchial Artery Aneurysm with Associated Bronchial Artery to Pulmonary Artery Fistula: Treatment by Embolization

Bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a rare vascular phenomenon. This review highlights a case of a BAA that was complicated by the presence of a bronchial artery to pulmonary artery (BA-PA) fistula, consequently presenting a unique challenge to management. BAAs have a strongly reported risk of rupture resulting in life-threatening hemoptysis. Embolization has thus become routine for the management such severe cases. The management of incidentally found anomalies is less obvious, but prophylactic embolization is a generally accepted practice. In this report, we review some of the risks and benefits associated with BAA embolization with specific consideration of the challenges in cases of co-existing BA-PA fistula.

Imaging in noncardiovascular thoracic emergencies: a pictorial review

Cardiovascular and noncardiovascular conditions are commonly encountered in the emergency department. While the majority of patients have underlying cardiovascular aetiologies, such as acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, aortic dissection and pulmonary embolism, a small subset of patients have underlying noncardiovascular conditions, although they present with similar symptoms of chest pain, dyspnoea, cough, haemoptysis and haematemesis. This article aims to describe the imaging findings in common noncardiovascular conditions of the chest that are frequently encountered in the emergency department, with a review of the existing literature.

Massive Hemoptysis due to Right Inferior Phrenic Artery-to-Right Pulmonary Artery Fistula in the Right Middle Lobe of the Lung

Massive hemoptysis is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment. It occurs in a wide variety of pulmonary diseases and typically originates from the bronchial arteries. We herein report a very rare case of a patient bleeding from a right phrenic artery-to-pulmonary artery fistula accompanied with focal bronchiectasis in the right middle lobe of the lung. In this case, multi-detector computed tomography was useful for clarifying the etiology and the abnormal anastomosis and facilitated effective angiographic embolization.

Bronchial artery embolization for the treatment of haemoptysis in pulmonary hypertension

PURPOSE

To test the efficacy of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) to treat haemoptysis in pulmonary hypertension (PH).

METHODS

33 patients were treated by BAE for haemoptysis associated with PH (PH group = 21) or non-associated with PH (control group = 12). The details of procedure, outcome, and rate of relapse were compared between the two groups. Within the PH group, the comparison was operated between subjects with congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary artery hypertension (CHD-APAH subgroup = 12) and non-CHD (non-CHD-APAH subgroup = 9).

RESULTS

The rate of relapse at 30 and 90-days was similar between the PH group and control group. BAE in the PH group was more challenging (median 2 arteries embolized per procedure) compared to the control group (median 1 artery embolized per procedure; p = 0.001). Bleeding arteries were more heterogeneous in the PH group, while a single right bronchial artery was the only clinical finding in 66.7% of controls (p = 0.001). Within the PH group, the CHD subgroup showed higher survival rate compared to the non-CHD-APAH group (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

BAE is effective and safe for the treatment of haemoptysis in PH, yet more challenging than other conditions. In PH-associated haemoptysis, BAE provides higher survival rate for subjects with PH associated with CHD.

Outcomes of Esophageal Arterial Embolization for Treatment of Hemoptysis

PURPOSE

To investigate safety and efficacy of esophageal arterial embolization (EAE) in addition to bronchial arterial embolization (BAE) for treatment of hemoptysis as well as the importance and characteristics of esophageal arteries in patients with hemoptysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2013 and December 2014, 20 patients (13 men and 7 women, mean age 58.4 y) underwent EAE in addition to BAE for hemoptysis. Retrospective review of patient records was performed to evaluate major causes of hemoptysis, treatment indications based on CT findings, esophageal angiography findings, and outcomes after embolization including clinical success rate and complications.

RESULTS

Hemoptysis was caused by bronchiectasis (12 patients), tuberculosis (7 patients), and lobectomy (1 patient). CT showed lower lobe lung lesions in all (100%) patients. The esophageal arteries originated from the aorta between the carina and diaphragm (18 patients) or from the inferior phrenic arteries (2 patients) and were tortuous with longitudinal off-midline courses. Communications between the esophageal and the bronchial or inferior phrenic arteries were present in 12 patients. One patient who was treated using N-butyl cyanoacrylate developed dysphagia that resolved with medical treatment. Repeat BAE was performed in 2 patients 5 days and 20 days later, and the clinical success rate was 90% (18/20).

CONCLUSIONS

EAE in addition to BAE is safe in the treatment of hemoptysis and should be considered for lower lobe lesions.

Localization of bleeding sites in patients with hemoptysis based on their chest computed tomography findings: a retrospective cohort study

Background

The aim of this study was to propose a localization strategy for bleeding sites in hemoptysis patients using their chest computed tomography (CT) findings.

Methods

Between January 2005 and July 2009, the chest CT findings of 161 hemoptysis patients were retrospectively reviewed. Following chest CT, the lobe with the most prominent ground glass attenuation (GGA) or specific lesions with the potential to cause pulmonary hemorrhage were analysed to develop a localization strategy for bleeding sites. Fibre optic bronchoscopy (FOB) findings of active bleeding were used as the standard reference for the bleeding sites.

Results

The concordance rate between the most prominent GGA and FOB findings was higher than that between specific lesions and FOB findings (Kappa value [k] = 0.751 vs. 0.448, p < 0.001). Among the specific lesions, there were high concordance rates between lung cancer and FOB findings (3/3, 100%) and fungus balls and FOB findings (8/9, 89%). The agreement of localization of the bleeding site between FOB findings and the localization strategy based on chest CT findings including the most prominent GGA, lung cancer and fungus balls, showed almost perfect (k = 0.904).

Conclusions

The localization of bleeding sites in hemoptysis patients could be determined by chest CT findings such as the most prominent GGA, malignancy and fungus ball.

The Role of Interventional Oncology in the Management of Lung Cancer

Interventional radiological procedures for diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer have become increasingly important. Imaging-guided percutaneous biopsy has become the modality of choice for diagnosing lung cancer, and in the era of target therapies, it is an useful tool to define earlier patient-specific tumor phenotypes. In functionally inoperable patients, especially the ablative procedures are potentially curative alternatives to surgery. In addition to thermally ablative treatment, selective chemoembolization by a vascular access allows localized therapy. These treatments are considered for patients in a reduced general condition which does not allow systemic chemotherapy. The present article reviews the role of interventional oncology in the management of primary lung cancer, focusing on the state of the art for each procedure.

Unilateral Emphysema in Infancy, a Rare Presentation of Aberrant Bronchial Artery: Case Report and Review of Literature

Aberrant bronchial arteries are rarely seen and may originate from various vascular structures. Hemoptysis is the most common clinical presentation of cases with anomalous bronchial artery. We report a case of a 1-month-old infant presented with respiratory distress and left lung emphysema. Radiologic investigations and bronchoscopy revealed that the cause is an aberrant left bronchial artery compressing the left main bronchus. Surgical division of the aberrant vessel was performed with gradual improvement of the emphysema and respiratory distress. Unilateral emphysema due to vascular compression was previously reported. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of aberrant bronchial artery presenting with external compression of a main bronchus and unilateral emphysema. Also, this is the youngest reported case with an aberrant bronchial artery.

Visualization of the Spinal Artery by CT During Embolization for Pulmonary Artery Pseudoaneurysm

BACKGROUND

Spinal artery ischemia is a rare but serious complication of embolization for treatment of hemoptysis. When the spinal artery is visualized at angiography, embolization should not be performed. However, it has been reported that spinal artery feeders are not visible on angiography in patients with developing spinal infarction.

CASE REPORT

A 70-year-old man with a history of pulmonary aspergillosis had hemoptysis and underwent contrast-enhanced CT, revealing a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm (PAP) in the left upper lobe. Systemic angiography from the fifth left intercostal artery showed the PAP at the distal site, but the access route to the PAP was very tortuous and long. Although the spinal branch could not be observed with that angiography, CT during angiography was performed, and it visualized the posterior spinal artery obviously. Thus, the artery distal and proximal to the PAP was then successfully coil-embolized from the pulmonary artery.

CONCLUSIONS

CT during angiography may be useful to confirm the presence of the spinal artery for treatment of hemoptysis by embolization.

Management considerations of massive hemoptysis while on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND:

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) is a life-saving procedure in patients with both respiratory and cardiac failure. Bleeding complications are common since patients must be maintained on anticoagulation. Massive hemoptysis is a rare complication of ECMO; however, it may result in death if not managed thoughtfully and expeditiously.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was performed of consecutive ECMO patients from 7/2010-8/2014 to identify episodes of massive hemoptysis. The management of and the outcomes in these patients were studied. Massive hemoptysis was defined as an inability to control bleeding (>300 mL/day) from the endotracheal tube with conventional maneuvers, such as bronchoscopy with cold saline lavage, diluted epinephrine lavage and selective lung isolation. All of these episodes necessitated disconnecting the ventilator tubing and clamping the endotracheal tube, causing full airway tamponade.

RESULTS:

During the period of review, we identified 118 patients on ECMO and 3 (2.5%) patients had the complication of massive hemoptysis. One case was directly related to pulmonary catheter migration and the other two were spontaneous bleeding events that were propagated by antiplatelet agents. All three patients underwent bronchial artery embolization in the interventional radiology suite. Anticoagulation was held during the period of massive hemoptysis without any embolic complications. There was no recurrent bleed after appropriate intervention. All three patients were successfully separated from ECMO.

CONCLUSIONS:

Bleeding complications remain a major issue in patients on ECMO. Disconnection of the ventilator and clamping the endotracheal tube with full respiratory and cardiac support by V-A ECMO is safe. Early involvement of interventional radiology to embolize any potential sources of the bleed can prevent re-hemoptysis and enable continued cardiac and respiratory recovery.

Unusual Pulmonary Arterial Filling Defect caused by Systemic to Pulmonary Shunt in the Setting of Chronic Lung Disease Demonstrated by Dynamic 4D CTA

Even though pulmonary embolism is by far the most common cause of filling defect in the pulmonary arterial system, other less common etiologies should be considered especially in the setting of atypical clinical scenario or unusual imaging findings. Unusual pattern of filling defect in the pulmonary artery in the setting of chronic inflammatory/fibrotic parenchymal lung disease should raise the concern for systemic to pulmonary artery shunt. This diagnosis is typically made by conventional angiography. Dynamic 4D CT angiography however can be a safe, noninvasive and effective alternative tool for making such a diagnosis. It has the added value of multiplanar reconstruction capabilities and providing detailed anatomy which can be vital for interventional radiologists when planning their approach for possible intervention. We present 2 cases of such shunts, and illustrate the demonstration of these shunts by using dynamic 4D CT angiography.

Systemic-pulmonary artery shunt: A rare cause of false-positive filling defect in the pulmonary arteries

Computed tomographic (CT) pulmonary angiography is widely used for evaluation of pulmonary embolism. Intraluminal filling defects in the contrast enhanced pulmonary arteries are considered diagnostic of pulmonary emboli. We report a false-positive case where filling defects in the pulmonary artery were due to mixing of blood from a complex shunt or vascular malformation between the systemic arteries and pulmonary artery.

Long-term outcomes of the bronchial artery embolization are diagnosis dependent

Background:

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is an established, safe, and effective procedure for the treatment of hemoptysis but long-term outcomes of the BAE have never been investigated before.

Objectives:

To retrospectively analyze long-term outcomes of the BAE.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective chart analysis was done from the hospital central database for all patients undergoing the BAE over a consecutive 14-year period (January 2000-February 2014). A total of 58 patients were identified from the database. Eight patients were excluded due to the lack of follow-up. Data such as patient demographics, reason for hemoptysis, medical imaging results, bronchoscopy findings, recurrence rates, and morbidity/mortality rates after the BAE were collected.

Results:

Eighty three embolizations were performed in 50 patients. The median follow-up was of 2.2 years. Cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis was the most common etiology (21/50), followed by non-CF bronchiectasis (9/50). Cavitary lung disease occurred in 12/50 patients, an additional 4/50 had cancer (primary lung and metastatic), and one patient had antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) vasculitis. In three patients the etiology was unknown. Postprocedural complications occurred in 5/83 (6%) patients, two patients with two major complications - stroke (one) and paraplegia (one) - and three patients with minor complications - chest pain (two) and bronchial artery dissection (one). A total of 15/50 patients died during the follow-up. Three patients died of hemoptysis, and the remaining deaths were unrelated to the procedure or hemoptysis. Twenty four patients had recurrent hemoptysis. A Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an excellent long-term survival that was 85% at 10 years.

Conclusions:

The BAE is a safe and effective procedure with excellent overall long-term survival.

A rare case of multiple bronchial artery aneurysms associated with a double aortic arch

Bronchial artery aneurysm is uncommon, and the occurrence of multiple aneurysms arising from a bronchial artery is even rarer. To date, there has been only one published case report describing double bronchial artery aneurysms. We herein describe a case of three aneurysms arising from a left bronchial artery, accompanied by multiple bilateral hypertrophied bronchial and intercostobronchial arteries, as well as a double aortic arch. Bronchial artery aneurysm is potentially life-threatening, and immediate treatment is recommended to minimise the potential risk of rupture. The aneurysms in our case were successfully treated via transcatheter arterial embolisation using coils.

Endovascular Embolization of an Aberrant Bronchial Artery Originating from the Internal Mammary Artery in a Patient with Hemoptysis

Massive hemoptysis is a life threatening respiratory emergency with high mortality and the bronchial artery (BA) is its most frequent source. Herein, we report a case of a 76-year-old man with recurrent hemoptysis due to an aberrant right BA arising from the right internal mammary artery (IMA), an extremely rare origin, that was clearly depicted on pretreatment computed tomography angiography (CTA). The patient was treated successfully by transcatheter bronchial artery embolization (BAE) of the aberrant BA and the hemoptysis has since been controlled for 9 months. Knowledge of the detailed BA anatomy is essential for performing BAE, especially in cases of aberrant BA. CTA is a promising tool for pretreatment planning of emergency BAE in patients with hemoptysis.

Infection

Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is the first leading cause of death due to infection worldwide.Many gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, funguses and viruses can cause the infectious pulmonary disease, and the severity of pneumonia depends on the balance between the microorganism charge, the body immunity defenses and the quality of the underlying pulmonary tissue. The microorganisms may reach the lower respiratory tract from inhaled air or from infected oropharyngeal secretions. The same organism may produce several different patterns that depend on the balance between the microorganism charge and the body immunity defenses.CAP is classified into three main groups: lobar pneumonia, bronchopneumonia and interstitial pneumonia.Lobar pneumonia is characterized by the filling of alveolar spaces by edema full of white and inflammatory cells. Necrotizing pneumonia consists of a fulminant process associated with focal areas of necrosis that results in abscesses. Bronchopneumonia or lobular pneumonia, is characterized by a peribronchiolar inflammation with thickening of peripheral bronchial wall, the diffusion of inflammation to the centrilobular alveolar spaces and development of nodules.The interstitial pneumonia represents with the destruction and esfoliation of the respiratory ciliated and mucous cells. The interstitial septa, the bronchial and bronchiolar walls become thickened for the inflammation process and lymphocytes interstitial infiltrates.Chest radiography represents an important initial examination in all patients suspected of having pulmonary infection and for monitoring response to therapy.Its role is to identify the pulmonary opacities, their internal characteristics and distribution, pleural effusion and presence of other complications as abscesses and pneumothorax.High spatial CT resolution allows accurate assessment of air space inflammation.The CT findings include nodules, interlobular septal thickening, intralobular reticular opacities, ground-glass opacities, tree-in-bud pattern, lobar-segmental consolidation, lobular consolidation, abscesses, pneumatocele, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, mediastinal and hilar lymphoadenopaties, airway dilatation and emphysema.

Bronchial arteries: anatomy, function, hypertrophy, and anomalies

The two main sources of blood supply to the lungs and their supporting structures are the pulmonary and bronchial arteries. The bronchial arteries account for 1% of the cardiac output but can be recruited to provide additional systemic circulation to the lungs in various acquired and congenital thoracic disorders. An understanding of bronchial artery anatomy and function is important in the identification of bronchial artery dilatation and anomalies and the formulation of an appropriate differential diagnosis. Visualization of dilated bronchial arteries at imaging should alert the radiologist to obstructive disorders that affect the pulmonary circulation and prompt the exclusion of diseases that produce or are associated with pulmonary artery obstruction, including chronic infectious and/or inflammatory processes, chronic thromboembolic disease, and congenital anomalies of the thorax (eg, proximal interruption of the pulmonary artery). Conotruncal abnormalities, such as pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect, are associated with systemic pulmonary supply provided by aortic branches known as major aortopulmonary collaterals, which originate in the region of the bronchial arteries. Bronchial artery malformation is a rare left-to-right or left-to-left shunt characterized by an anomalous connection between a bronchial artery and a pulmonary artery or a pulmonary vein, respectively. Bronchial artery interventions can be used successfully in the treatment of hemoptysis, with a low risk of adverse events. Multidetector computed tomography helps provide a vascular road map for the interventional radiologist before bronchial artery embolization.

Bronchial artery embolization in chronic pulmonary thromboembolism: A therapeutic dilemma

Bronchial artery embolization is the treatment of choice for the management of life-threatening massive hemoptysis. Chronic pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is one of the rare causes of hemoptysis. Management of hemoptysis in chronic PTE is a point of debate. In this article, we have reported one case of hemoptysis in chronic PTE managed successfully with bronchial artery embolization.

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm arising secondary to cavitary pneumonia

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms have classically been associated with the cavitary lesions of reactivation tuberculosis and termed Rasmussen’s aneurysm. There have been relatively few case reports of pulmonary artery pseudoaneuryms arising secondary to cavitary pneumonia. We present a case of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm occurring secondary to cavitating aspiration pneumonia that was treated successfully with coil embolization.

Bronchial artery embolization to control hemoptysis in patients with Mycobacterium avium complex

BACKGROUND

Hemoptysis frequently develops in patients with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) pulmonary disease. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) has been established as one of the useful treatments of massive and persistent hemoptysis. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of BAE for controlling hemoptysis in MAC patients, and identified the risk factors of rebleeding after BAE.

METHODS

Among the 529 patients with MAC who were admitted to our institution from January 2007 to December 2012, we retrospectively reviewed the demographic data, imaging, sputum, and angiographic findings, and the clinical course of 43 patients who underwent BAE using coils, due to hemoptysis.

RESULTS

Among the 43 patients enrolled in the study, rebleeding developed in 13 cases (30.2%) with a mean follow-up period of 18 months. Median rebleeding-free time after BAE was 29.9 months and the cumulative hemoptysis control rates were 79.1%, 73.8%, and 63.3% in one, two, and three years, respectively. Rebleeding-free time significantly correlated with comorbid chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). When limited to 35 MAC patients without CPA, the rate increased to 88.6%, 82.1%, and 70.4%, respectively. Factors such as coexisting CPA, multiple embolized vessels at BAE, longer length of time from the diagnosis of MAC to BAE, and an administration of antibiotics for MAC at the time of hemoptysis, indicated statistically significant correlations with rebleeding. Major complications concerning BAE were not encountered.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE using coils is an effective and safe method for controlling hemoptysis in patients with MAC pulmonary disease. However, it is important to carefully observe patients with risk factors for rebleeding after BAE.

Diagnosis and management of hemoptysis

Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood that originates from the lower respiratory tract. It is usually a self-limiting event but in fewer than 5% of cases it may be massive, representing a life-threatening condition that warrants urgent investigations and treatment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive literature review on hemoptysis, analyzing its causes and pathophysiologic mechanisms, and providing details about anatomy and imaging of systemic bronchial and nonbronchial arteries responsible for hemoptysis. Strengths and limits of chest radiography, bronchoscopy, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), MDCT angiography and digital subtraction angiography to assess the cause and lead the treatment of hemoptysis were reported, with particular emphasis on MDCT angiography. Treatment options for recurrent or massive hemoptysis were summarized, highlighting the predominant role of bronchial artery embolization. Finally, a guide was proposed for managing massive and nonmassive hemoptysis, according to the most recent medical literature.

Triaxial system in bronchial arterial embolization for haemoptysis using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate

OBJECTIVE

The application of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for haemoptysis was recently reported to be useful. A triple co-axial (triaxial) system consisting of a 4-Fr catheter, 2.7-Fr microcatheter and 1.9-Fr no-taper microcatheter has been developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of the triaxial system in BAE using NBCA.

METHODS

12 patients with haemoptysis, 8 males and 4 females with a median age of 64 years (range, 49-88 years), underwent BAE between August 2012 and October 2014. Medical records and images were reviewed, and the technical success rate, clinical success rate, haemoptysis-free rate and complications were evaluated. Technical success was defined as the complete cessation of the target artery as confirmed by digital subtraction angiography, whereas clinical success was defined as the cessation of haemoptysis within 24 h of BAE. Recurrent haemoptysis was defined as a total of >30 ml of bleeding per day.

RESULTS

The target artery was embolized successfully in all patients, and the technical success rate was 100% (12/12). The cessation of haemoptysis was achieved in 11 out of 12 patients within 24 h, and thus, the clinical success rate was 92% (11/12). The 6-, 12- and 24-month haemoptysis-free rates were 89%, 89% and 76%, respectively. No patients exhibited any signs of complications such as spinal ischaemia.

CONCLUSION

BAE using the triaxial system and NBCA appears to be a useful and safe procedure for haemoptysis.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The triaxial system contributes to safe and effective BAE using NBCA.

Bronchial artery embolization for malignant hemoptysis: a single institutional experience

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in patients with malignant hemoptysis.

METHODS

An IRB-approved retrospective study at our academic institution was conducted on all patients treated by BAE for hemoptysis from lung malignancy. Outcome and safety measures were documented according to Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) practice guidelines.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients (13 male, 13 female) with lung malignancy underwent BAE for hemoptysis from 2003-2013. Histologic analysis revealed 80% (21/26) of cases were from primary lung malignancies, while the remaining 20% (4/26) represented metastatic disease. Sixty-five percent (17/26) of patients underwent bronchoscopy prior to BAE. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 1,909 days, with average of 155 days. Technical success was achieved in 77% of patients (20/26). Clinical success rate was 75% (15/20). Eighty-five percent of embolized patients (17/20) were treated with particles, 15% (3/20) with gelfoam, and 20% (4/20) with coils. Single-vessel embolization was performed in 70% (14/20), two-vessel in 20% (4/20), and multiple vessels in 10% (2/20). No complications were reported. Six-month all-cause mortality of treated cases was 55% (11/20) with an in-hospital mortality of 25% (5/20). Ten percent (2/20) had remote re-bleeding events beyond 6 months. Statistically significant predictors of mortality were intubation status, hemoglobin/hematocrit at presentation, and thrombocytopenia.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE is a safe and useful treatment for clinically significant hemoptysis in patients with primary or metastatic lung masses despite high overall mortality. Intubation status, low hemoglobin/hematocrit, and thrombocytopenia may represent clinical predictors of short term mortality following BAE.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

Most patients undergoing BAE for malignant hemoptysis achieve high clinical success despite suffering a high mortality from underlying disease.

Emergency transcatheter arterial embolization for massive hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis sequelae

To explore the strategy and curative effect of emergency transcatheter arterial embolization (ETAE) in patients with massive hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis sequelae. A total of 148 patients with massive hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis underwent emergency arteriography. After the bleeding artery was located, patients were given embolotherapy using gelfoam strips, coils, and polyvinyl alcohol particles. The arteriography manifestations and therapeutic outcomes in all patients were retrospectively analyzed. ETAE was performed successfully in 143 patients after location of the bleeding arteries. The bleeding arteries could not be located in another five patients, and embolotherapy, therefore, could not be performed. Among these five patients, three underwent surgical resection and two died of complications of tuberculosis/fungal ball coinfection. During a 2-year follow-up period, there were 15 cases of recurrent hemoptysis after initial embolotherapy. Among these, four cases were resolved by re-embolization, 11 patients still had massive hemoptysis after re-embolization who underwent surgical resection and resolved the hemoptysis eventually. Successful hemostasis was achieved by ETAE in 132 patients (89.19%; 132/148). No severe complications occurred after embolotherapy. ETAE is a safe and effective treatment for massive hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis. The key to successful treatment is thorough and complete embolization of the bleeding arteries. In the event of failure of embolotherapy, surgical resection should be used to resolve the bleeding.

Rasmussen's aneurysm: A rare and forgotten cause of hemoptysis

Hemoptysis as a sequelae of past tubercular infection of lungs is a known occurrence. Hemoptysis in such a patient can result from a number of etiologies like tubercular reactivation, bronchiectasis, aspergiloma and vascular complications like hypervascularity from bronchial arteries, arteriovenous fistula formation, pseudoaneurysms, etc. Massive hemoptysis in such a patient is usually treated by bronchial artery embolization and occasionally by surgical lobectomy. A rare source of bleeding in such a patient is from Rasmussen's aneurysm arising from the pulmonary arteries. We report a young patient of treated pulmonary tuberculosis who had recurrent hemoptysis. He was treated earlier with bronchial artery embolization. On recurrence of hemoptysis, he was reevaluated and was found to have multiple Rasmussen's aneurysms arising from the pulmonary arteries, which were successfully treated by coil embolization.

Airway management of ruptured pulmonary artery "Rasmussen" aneurysm and massive hemoptysis

Background

Pulmonary tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its manifestations may include parenchymal, airway, vascular, pleural, mediastinal and chest wall lesions. Hemoptysis is a common complication of the disease. Massive hemoptysis occurs in about 8 % of cases; with associated mortality ranging from 5 to 25 % Massive hemoptysis secondary to pulmonary artery aneurysm rupture is a rare phenomenon presenting unique challenges in airway management and stabilization of oxygenation, ventilation and blood pressure.

Case history

We present a case of a patient with necrotizing pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by a ruptured pulmonary artery “Rasmussen” aneurysm requiring emergent intubation and embolization.

Conclusion

Massive hemoptysis should be treated as a medical emergency requiring the coordinated care of multiple specialists including intensivists, interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, and surgeons. Airway management and stabilization of cardiorespiratory status should be the highest priority, followed by timely diagnostic procedures to localize the site and cause of the bleeding.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1313-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Radiological Evaluation and Endovascular Treatment of Hemoptysis

Hemoptysis can be a life-threatening condition that warrants urgent investigation and intervention. Common causes include bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, and malignancy. Computed tomography angiography is an accurate imaging modality for assessment of hemoptysis. The bronchial arteries are the source of bleeding in most cases of hemoptysis, and bronchial artery embolization is the treatment of choice. The aim of this article is to summarize the pathophysiology, causes, initial management, and diagnostic approach of hemoptysis. Endovascular treatment of hemoptysis, technique, embolic materials, outcomes, complications, and follow-up of patients are discussed.

Radiological findings and outcomes of bronchial artery embolization in cryptogenic hemoptysis

Management of cryptogenic massive hemoptysis is difficult, and conservative treatment may be inadequate to stop the hemorrhage. Surgery is not a reasonable option because there is no underlying identifiable pathology. This study aimed to investigate the radiologic findings and bronchial artery embolization outcomes in cryptogenic hemoptysis, and to compare the results with non-cryptogenic hemoptysis. We evaluated 26 patients with cryptogenic hemoptysis and 152 patients with non-cryptogenic hemoptysis. A comparison of the bronchial artery abnormalities between the cryptogenic and non-cryptogenic hemoptysis groups showed that only extravasation was more statistically significant in the cryptogenic hemoptysis group than in the non-cryptogenic hemoptysis group, while the other bronchial artery abnormalities, such as bronchial artery dilatation, hypervascularity, and bronchial-to-pulmonary shunting, showed no significant difference between groups. Involvement of the non-bronchial systemic artery was significantly greater in the non-cryptogenic hemoptysis group than in the cryptogenic hemoptysis group. While 69.2% of patients with cryptogenic hemoptysis also had hypervascularity in the contralateral bronchial arteries and/or ipsilateral bronchial artery branches other than the bleeding lobar branches, this finding was not detected in non-cryptogenic hemoptysis. Embolization was performed on all patients using polyvinyl alcohol particles of 355-500 µm. Hemoptysis ceased in all patients immediately after embolization. While recurrence of hemoptysis showed no statistically significant difference between the cryptogenic and non-cryptogenic hemoptysis groups, it was mild in cryptogenic hemoptysis in contrast to mostly severe in non-cryptogenic hemoptysis. Transarterial embolization is a safe and effective technique to manage cryptogenic hemoptysis.

Incidentally Detected Mediastinal Vascular Anatomical Variants on PET-CT: A Pictorial Essay

Positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET–CT) is an integral part of oncology practice in the current-day scenario. The hybrid anatomical and metabolic imaging information in this imaging modality provides access to a wealth of incidental findings which can have implications in the management of the patient, especially when surgical options are being considered. In this pictorial essay, we present incidentally detected mediastinal vascular anomalies on PET–CT, along with a review of associated literature.

A retrospective analysis of 334 cases of hemoptysis treated by bronchial artery embolization

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the safety and efficacy of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in the management of hemoptysis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 334 patients who had undergone BAE for hemoptysis from January 2007 to July 2013. Our study included 255 (76.3%) males and 79 (23.7%) females with an age range from five to 81 years old. All relevant arteries were evaluated but only those arteries that showed hypertrophy and significant blush were targeted. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used in all patients and gel foam was used in combination with PVA where there was significant shunting.

RESULTS

Mild hemoptysis was seen in 70 patients, moderate in 195 patients, and severe in 69 patients. On imaging, right side disease was seen in 101 patients, left side involvement in 59 patients, and bilateral involvement in 174 patients. Post-tubercular changes were the predominant pathology seen in 248 patients. Among 334 patients (386 procedures), 42 patients underwent the procedure twice and five patients underwent the procedure thrice. A total of 485 arteries were attempted of which 440 arteries were successfully embolized. Right intercosto-bronchial was the most common culprit artery present in 157 patients, followed by common bronchial (n=97), left bronchial (n=55), and right bronchial (n=45). We embolized a maximum of four arteries in one session. Immediate complications such as dissection and rupture occurred in only nine sessions (2.3%). Twenty-five procedures (6.5%) were repeated within two months, which were due to technical or clinical failure and 27 procedures (7%) were repeated after two months.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE is a safe and effective procedure with a negligible complication rate. Our approach of targeting hypertrophied arteries was effective.

The Normal Anatomy and Variations of the Bronchial Arteries: Evaluation with Multidetector Computed Tomography

Introduction

In this study, we aimed to reveal the normal anatomy and variations of the bronchial arterial system and to determine the sex distribution of these variations by retrospectively reviewing the images of patients who underwent thoracal multidetector computed tomographic angiography for various reasons.

Materials and Methods

Multidetector computed tomographic images of a total of 208 patients (151 men; mean age, 59 years) were retrospectively reviewed to assess the normal anatomy and variations of the bronchial arterial system.

Results

A total of 531 bronchial arteries (median, 3; minimum, 1; maximum, 5; mean, 2.5) were detected. The number (mean diameter) of the right bronchial arteries were higher than the left bronchial arteries (290 [1.43 mm] and 241 [1.26 mm], respectively; P < .05 for both number and diameter). The mean number (diameter) of the bronchial arteries were higher with men than with women (2.58 [1.45 mm] and 2.47 [1.32 mm], respectively; P < .05 for both number and diameter). The most common (24%) branching pattern was the combination of 1 right intercostal-bronchial trunk and 1 left bronchial artery, and, secondarily (13.46%), the combination of 2 right (1 intercostal-bronchial trunk and 1 bronchial artery) and 1 left bronchial arteries. Seventy-eight ectopic bronchial arteries were detected in 59 cases (28.3%). They most commonly originated from the aortic arch (37.2%), the descending aorta below the level of T6 (35.9%), or the aortic branches (16.7%). The number of right ectopic bronchial arteries was significantly higher than the left ectopic bronchial arteries (50 [64%] vs 28 [36%]; P < .01). The incidence of ectopic bronchial arteries was statistically higher with men versus women (45 [29.8%] vs 14 [24.6%]; P < .05).

Conclusion

The origins, numbers, diameters, and courses of the bronchial arteries can vary substantially among individuals. Multidetector computed tomographic angiography enables a detailed road map of the bronchial arterial system to interventional radiologists and thoracic surgeons.

Bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis: a retrospective observational study of 344 patients

BACKGROUND

Hemoptysis is a significant clinical entity with high morbidity and potential mortality. Both medical management (in terms of resuscitation and bronchoscopic interventions) and surgery have severe limitations in these patients population. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) represents the first-line treatment for hemoptysis. This article discusses clinical analysis, embolization approach, outcomes and complications of BAE for the treatment of hemoptysis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 344 cases, who underwent bronchial arteriography at Tianjin Haihe Hospital between 2006 and 2013. Several aspects of outcome were analyzed: Demographics, clinical presentation, radiographic studies, results, complications and follow-up of BAE.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty-four consecutive patients underwent bronchial arteriography, 336 of 344 patients (97.7%) performed BAE; there were 1530 coils for 920 arteries embolized; the main responsible sources for bleeding were right bronchial artery (29.7%), left bronchial artery (21.6%), combined right and left bronchial trunk (18.4%), right intercostal arteries (13.3%); 61 patients (17.7%) had recurrent hemoptysis within 1 month after undergoing BAE, 74 patients (21.5%) had recurrent hemoptysis over 1 month after undergoing BAE; The common complications of BAE included subintimal dissection, arterial perforation by a guide wire, fever, chest pain, dyspnea, etc. The follow-up was completed in 248 patients, 28 patients had been dead, 21 patients still bleed, 92 patients had lost to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The technique of BAE is a relatively safe and effective method for controlling hemoptysis . The complications of BAE are rare. Although the long-term outcome in some patients is not good, BAE may be the only life-saving treatment option in patients who are poor surgical candidates.

Aberrant Bronchial Artery to Non-Sequestrated Left Upper Lobe in Massive Hemoptysis

Systemic arterial supply from the descending thoracic aorta to the basal segment of the left lower lobe without a pulmonary arterial supply is a rare congenital anomaly within the spectrum of sequestration lung disease. The most common pattern of anomalous systemic artery to the lung arises from the descending thoracic aorta and feeds the basal segments of the left lower lobe. We report an extremely rare case of a 29-year-old woman who underwent a successful left upper lobectomy for the treatment of recurrent massive hemoptysis from anomalous bronchial arterial supply to the lingular segment of left upper lobe.

Dieulafoy's disease of the bronchus: report of a case and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Dieulafoy's disease is a vascular anomaly characterized by the presence of a tortuous dysplastic artery in the submucosa. Although frequently occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, multiple cases of Dieulafoy's disease in the bronchus have been reported in the literature.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We report a case of a 15-year-old boy suffering recurrent massive hemoptysis. Bilobectomy stopped bleeding after unsuccessful treatment with embolization of bronchial artery.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded a congenital origin of this disease. Angiography and endobronchial ultrasonography can be used to diagnose Dieulafoy's disease of bronchus whereas bronchoscopy biopsy should be avoided. Surgery is needed when embolization fails.

Experimental studies in the bronchial circulation. Which is the ideal animal model?

BACKGROUND

The importance of the role of bronchial arteries is notable in modern days thoracic surgery. The significance of their anastomoses with adjusted structures has not yet been sufficiently rated, especially in cases of haemoptysis, heart-lung transplantations and treatment of aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. The need of a thorough study is more relevant than ever and appropriate laboratory animals are required.

METHODS

We review the literature in order to highlight the ideal experimental animal for the implementation of pilot programs relative to the bronchial circulation. A comparative analysis of the anatomy of the bronchial arterial system in humans along with these of pigs, dogs, rats, and birds, as being the most commonly used laboratory animals, is presented in details.

RESULTS

The pig has the advantage that the broncho-oesophageal artery usually originates from the aorta as a single vessel, which makes the recognition and dissection of the artery easy to perform. In dogs, there is significant anatomical variation of the origin of the bronchial arteries. In rats, bronchial artery coming from the aorta is a rare event while in birds the pattern of the bronchial artery tree is clearly different from the human analog.

CONCLUSIONS

The pig is anatomically and physiologically suited for experimental studies on the bronchial circulation. The suitable bronchial anatomy and physiology along with the undeniable usefulness of the pig in experimental research and the low maintenance cost make the pig the ideal model for experiments in bronchial circulation.

Immediate and long-term results of bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis due to benign versus malignant pulmonary diseases

BACKGROUND

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is widely used for the treatment of hemoptysis. The immediate and long-term results of BAE for hemoptysis in patients with benign and malignant pulmonary diseases were inconsistent in previous studies and were thus investigated.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of the clinical records of 154 patients (108 with benign disease and 46 with malignant disease) who received BAE for hemoptysis from January 2005 to June 2011 at the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital.

RESULTS

Immediate cessation of hemoptysis was achieved in 98 patients with benign disease (90.7%) and 42 patients with malignancy (91.3%). The long-term control rate of hemoptysis in patients with benign disease was 74.3% (80/108) at 1 year, significantly higher than in patients with cancer (16/46, 35.5%, P < 0.01). The worst outcomes in the benign and malignant groups were observed in patients with aspergilloma and squamous cell lung cancer, respectively. The average number of abnormal vessels on bronchial arteriography was higher in the benign group than in the malignant group (3 ± 1.3 versus 2 ± 1.1, respectively, P < 0.01). Moreover, recurrent hemoptysis was independently associated with the presence of massive hemoptysis and bronchial-pulmonary artery shunt in both groups (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

BAE is a relatively safe procedure for patients with hemoptysis. Immediate control of hemoptysis with BAE is achieved in most cases, but the long-term hemoptysis control rate is worse in malignant lung diseases than in benign conditions, especially among patients with squamous cell lung cancer.

Surgical intervention for thoracic infections

Multidisciplinary management of thoracic infection, including experts in thoracic surgery, pulmonology, infectious disease, and radiology, is ideal for optimal outcomes. Initial assessment of parapneumonic effusion and empyema requires computed tomographic evaluation and consideration for fluid sampling or drainage. Goals for the treatment of parapneumonic effusion and empyema include drainage of the pleural space and complete lung reexpansion. Pulmonary abscess is often successfully treated with antibiotics and observation. Surgical intervention for the treatment of fungal or tuberculous lung disease should be undertaken by experienced surgeons following multidisciplinary assessment. Sternoclavicular joint infection often requires joint resection.

Immediate and Late Outcomes of Bronchial and Systemic Artery Embolization for Palliative Treatment of Patients With Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer Having Hemoptysis

Background:

Hemoptysis in patients with advanced lung cancer can be a life threatening.

Objectives:

To evaluate immediate outcomes and late outcomes of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for palliative treatment in patients with advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) having hemoptysis.

Methods:

The BAE was performed in 28 patients with NSCLC. Hemoptysis was defined as follows: massive bleeding greater than 300 mL within 24 hours (n = 8), moderate bleeding of 100 to 300 mL within 24 hours (n =12), and slight bleeding less than100 mL within 24 hours (n = 8).

Results:

Success rate was 96%. Immediate clinical success within 24 hours after BAE was achieved in 22 of the 27 patients who underwent embolization.

Conclusions:

The BAE with gelatin sponge particles can provide good management of hemoptysis as a palliative treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC.