Bronchial Artery Embolization for Life-Threatening Hemoptysis Using Tris-Acryl Microspheres: Short-Term Result

Pulmonary Vascular Interventions

Endovascular intervention is a safe, effective treatment modality in the management of diverse pulmonary vascular pathologies, including acute or chronic thromboembolic disease, pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (pAVMs), pulmonary artery or bronchial artery hemorrhage, and foreign body retrieval. This article reviews indications, contraindications, techniques, and outcomes in endovascular management of common pulmonary vascular pathologies, with the goal of improving operator familiarity and facility with these procedures.

Embosphere microspheres size for bronchial artery embolization in patients with hemoptysis caused by bronchiectasis: a retrospective comparative analysis of 500-750 versus 700-900 μm microspheres

BACKGROUND

Bronchial arterial embolization (BAE) has been accepted as an effective treatment for bronchiectasis-related hemoptysis. However, rare clinical trials compare different sizes of specific embolic agents. This study aims to evaluate whether different Embosphere microsphere sizes change the outcome of BAE.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on consecutive patients with bronchiectatic hemoptysis who were scheduled to undergo BAE treatment during a period from January 2018 to December 2022. The patients received BAE using microspheres of different sizes: group A patients were treated with 500-750 μm microspheres, and group B patients were treated with 700-900 μm microspheres. The cost of embolic microspheres (Chinese Yuan, CNY), duration of hospitalization, complications, and hemoptysis-free survival were compared between patients in group A and those in group B. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictors of recurrent hemoptysis.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 30.2 months (range, 20.3-56.5 months). The final analysis included a total of 112 patients (49-77 years of age; 45 men). The patients were divided into two groups: group A (N = 68), which received 500-750 μm Embosphere microspheres, and group B (N = 44), which received 700-900 μm Embosphere microspheres. Except for the cost of embolic microspheres(group A,5314.8 + 1301.5 CNY; group B, 3644.5 + 1192.3 CNY; p = 0.042), there were no statistically significant differences in duration of hospitalization (group A,7.2 + 1.4 days; group B, 8 + 2.4days; p = 0.550), hemoptysis-free survival (group A, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 85.9%, 75.8%, 62.9%; group B, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 88.4%, 81.2%,59.4%;P = 0.060), and complications(group A,26.5%; group B, 38.6%; p = 0.175) between the two groups. No major complications were observed. The multivariate analysis results revealed that the presence of cystic bronchiectasis (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12-2.83; P = 0.001) and systemic arterial-pulmonary shunts (SPSs) (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10-2.72; P = 0.028) were independent risk factors for recurrent bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

For the treatment of BAE in patients with bronchiectasis-related hemoptysis, 500-750 μm diameter Embosphere microspheres have a similar efficacy and safety profile compared to 700-900 μm diameter Embosphere microspheres, especially for those without SPSs or cystic bronchiectasis. Furthermore, the utilization of large-sized (700-900 μm) Embosphere microspheres is associated with the reduced cost of an embolic agent.

Society of Chest Imaging and Interventions Consensus Guidelines for the Interventional Radiology Management of Hemoptysis

The recommendations from the Society of Chest Imaging and Interventions expert group comprehensively cover all the aspects of management of hemoptysis, highlighting the role of diagnostic and interventional radiology. The diversity existing in etiopathology, imaging findings, and management of hemoptysis has been addressed. The management algorithm recommends the options for effective treatment while minimizing the chances of recurrence, based on the best evidence available and opinion from the experts.

Bronchial Artery Embolization

Massive hemoptysis is a highly morbid medical condition with up to 75% mortality with conservative treatment. Bronchial artery embolization has emerged as the common treatment for both acute massive hemoptysis and chronic hemoptysis. This article will review the clinical presentation, bronchial artery anatomy, embolization procedure, complications, and expected outcomes.

Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Non-aortic Thoracic Trauma

Trauma remains a leading cause of death for all age groups, and nearly two-thirds of these individuals suffer thoracic trauma. Due to the various types of injuries, including vascular and nonvascular, interventional radiology plays a major role in the acute and chronic management of the thoracic trauma patient. Interventional radiologists are critical members in the multidisciplinary team focusing on treatment of the patient with thoracic injury. Through case presentations, this article will review the role of interventional radiology in the management of trauma patients suffering thoracic injuries.

CIRSE Standards of Practice on Bronchial Artery Embolisation

This CIRSE Standards of Practice document is aimed at interventional radiologists and provides best practices for performing bronchial artery embolisation to effectively treat haemoptysis. It has been developed by an expert writing group established by the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee.

Management of life-threatening hemoptysis in the ICU

Life-threatening hemoptysis is commonly encountered in the ICU and its management can be challenging even for experienced clinicians. Depending on the etiology and severity, one can tailor the treatment modality and therapeutic intervention(s). The grading of severity of hemoptysis varies greatly in the literature; however, unlike hemorrhage in other scenarios, small amounts of blood can significantly impair oxygenation and ventilation leading to cardiovascular collapse. Importantly, the initial evaluation and management should focus on airway and hemodynamic stabilization along with maintenance of oxygenation and ventilation. In this review, we discuss commonly encountered etiologies, vascular anatomy, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic interventions. We examine the evolving trends in etiologies of life-threating hemoptysis over the years. The role of flexible and rigid bronchoscopy as both a diagnostic and therapeutic modality is explored, as well as the use and indications of several bronchoscopic techniques, such as topical hemostatic agents, endobronchial tamponade, and tranexamic acid (TXA). In addition, we assess the use of multi-row detector computed tomography as the initial rapid diagnostic method of choice and its use in planning for definitive treatment. The efficacy and long-term results of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) are evaluated, as well as indications for surgical intervention. Furthermore, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized. The necessary interplay between intensivists, consultative services, and radiologists is described in detail and an algorithmic management strategy incorporating the above is outlined. Given the complexity in management of life-threatening hemoptysis, this paper aims to summarize the available diagnostic and therapeutic methods and provide a standardized approach for the management of patients with this often difficult to treat condition.

Recurrent massive hemoptysis in a patient with cystic fibrosis: balloon assisted Onyx embolization after bronchial artery coil recanalization

Background

Although not standard of care, Cystic Fibrosis patients with recurrent hemoptysis occasionally have coil embolization of bronchial arteries. In the event of recanalization of these arteries in this specific subset of patients, the presence of indwelling coils makes the prospect of conventional particle embolization more difficult, preventing both adequate catheterization of the coiled segment and reflux of the particles.

Case presentation

In this report, we describe a case of bronchial artery embolization of a complex Cystic Fibrosis patient with massive hemoptysis from recanalized coiled bronchial arteries utilizing a Scepter Balloon Catheter® (Microvention Terumo, USA) in administration of the liquid embolic agent Onyx® (Medtronic, USA).

Conclusions

The Scepter occlusion balloon catheter allowed for careful placement of the tip within the interstices of the pre-existing coils, allowing for Onyx injection directly into the coil mass without reflux, reconfirming the benefits of Onyx embolization in bronchial artery embolization and providing evidence that the Scepter occlusion balloon catheter should be added to the armamentarium of devices used in complex bronchial artery embolization for Cystic Fibrosis patients with massive hemoptysis.

Cerebral infarct after bronchial artery embolization

Bronchial artery embolization is an effective and widely used procedure for controlling hemoptysis. Cerebral infarct after bronchial artery embolization is a rare and severe complication. We report two cases of cerebral infarct complicating bronchial artery embolization, most likely due to errant embolic passage through anastomoses with the ipsilateral subclavian artery.

An Interventionalist's Guide to Hemoptysis in Cystic Fibrosis

Massive hemoptysis occurs in a minority of patients with cystic fibrosis, with an annual incidence of 1%. Although rare, massive hemoptysis can be a severe and potentially fatal complication of this disease. Beyond the acute life-threatening event, hemoptysis in patients with cystic fibrosis has been associated with faster decline in lung function, accelerated need for lung transplant, and increased mortality. The bronchial arteries are the culprit vessels in over 90% of cases of hemoptysis. This normally quiescent vascular system undergoes remarkable hypertrophy, collateralization, and angiogenesis before the onset of hemoptysis, introducing numerous pitfalls for the interventionalist. However, in experienced hands, bronchial artery embolization is a safe and potentially lifesaving therapy. Preprocedural noninvasive imaging, specifically computed tomographic angiography, has been repeatedly validated for helping to localize the likely site of bleeding, characterizing pertinent arterial anatomy, and promoting efficient and effective intervention; it has been recommended for all stable patients with hemoptysis. Success in the angiographic suite requires a thorough understanding of normal and variant bronchial arterial anatomy, appropriate patient selection, and a meticulous embolization technique. A meticulous approach to imaging and intervention, conscientious of both visualized and nonvisualized collateral pathways and nontarget vessels, can minimize potentially devastating complications. This review summarizes the current literature, modern procedural techniques, and emerging controversies, serving to guide an evolving approach to management of patients with cystic fibrosis and hemoptysis. ^©RSNA, 2018.

Bronchial Artery Embolization with Large Sized (700-900 µm) Tris-acryl Microspheres (Embosphere) for Massive Hemoptysis: Long-Term Results (Clinical Research)

PURPOSE

To investigate the safety, efficacy and long-term results of bronchial artery embolization with microsphere particles (Embosphere^® Microspheres, BioSphere Medical, Rockland, MA) 700-900 µm in size for massive hemoptysis.

METHODS

One hundred and seventy-four patients (94 female, 80 male; mean age 39.4 ± 5.7) who had bronchial artery embolization for massive hemoptysis between January 2010 and October 2015 were incorporated in the study. Patients had hemoptysis with a mean volume of 525 ± 150 mL (median 500 mL, range 300-1200 mL) over a 24-h period. Underlying pathologies included bronchial artery hypertrophy due to bronchiectasis (56.3% [98/174]), lung cancer (29.9% [52/174]), tuberculosis (10.3% [18/174]) and the rest remained idiopathic (3.4% [6/174]). Mean bronchial artery diameter before the intervention was 3.8 ± 1.5 mm (median 4 mm, range 3.1-7.5 mm). Median follow-up period was 56 months (range 10-82 months). Primary objectives were the technical and clinical success.

RESULTS

Technical success was 100%. Clinical success for preventing massive hemoptysis was 91.9% (160/174). There was no procedure-related mortality or morbidities. Minor complications such as chest pain were observed in nine patients (5.0%). Recurrent hemoptysis (8.1%) was observed within 6 months in 14 patients, ten of whom were treated with a second embolization session and the remaining four with a total of three embolization sessions.

CONCLUSION

Bronchial artery embolization for massive hemoptysis with Embosphere particles 700-900 µm in size is a safe and effective method with high technical and clinical success rates. Long-term results are excellent.

Moderate hemoptysis: recurrent hemoptysis and mortality according to bronchial artery embolization

INTRODUCTION

The studies on hemoptysis have focused mainly on hemoptysis causes and massive or life-threatening hemoptysis. And there is a limited data that non-massive hemoptysis, especially moderate hemoptysis.

OBJECTIVES

We analyzed the prognosis and severity of bleeding on flexible bronchoscopy (FB) between moderate and massive hemoptysis.

METHODS

We reviewed total 852 subjects (59.9 ± 16.0 years) identified with hemoptysis. Reviewed database included severity of subjective hemoptysis, bleeding on FB, comorbid conditions, time from admission to bronchial artery embolization (BAE), recurrent hemoptysis and mortality.

RESULTS

In subjective hemoptysis, recurrent hemoptysis occurred in mild 8.0%, moderate 40.7%, massive hemoptysis 33.8%, and mortality was 4.7%, 13.4% and 13.5%. Especially, no statistical difference was shown in recurrent hemoptysis [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.795; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.562-1.125, P = 0.196] and mortality (HR = 1.054; 95% CI 0.596-1.864, P = 0.856) between moderate and massive hemoptysis. In moderate hemoptysis patients, oozing or active bleeding on FB took up 83.3%. In this review, recurrent hemoptysis was more in oozing bleeding than active bleeding (HR = 1.781; 95% CI 1.214-2.431, P = 0.002), but mortality was similar (HR = 1.611; 95% CI 0.930-2.790, P = 0.089). Recurrent hemoptysis significantly decreased in the group with BAE performed within 24 h (HR = 0.308; 95% CI 0.149-0.637, P = 0.001) in moderate hemoptysis. Also, recurrent hemoptysis and mortality were significantly increased in the patients with smoking (≥40 pack-years), oozing or active bleeding on FB, and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Moderate hemoptysis has shown similar prognosis of recurrent hemoptysis and mortality to massive hemoptysis. Therefore, the more aggressive FB and BAE should be considered in moderate hemoptysis.

The impact of coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus and pulmonary tuberculosis on the success of bronchial artery embolisation

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is often associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Africa. Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is a specialised, expensive and risky procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of coinfection with HIV and PTB on the success of BAE.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study of sequential BAE procedures during 2006 and 2007 was performed. Rates of procedural and clinical outcome, reasons for failures and the impact of cluster of differentiation cell type 4 (CD4) level on failure were investigated. Patients were included if they presented with massive or life-threatening haemoptysis with a diagnosis of previous or active PTB and their HIV status was known, for the first two attempts at BAE only.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 74 patients who were HIV positive and 33 who were HIV negative. Statistically, procedural success did not imply a clinically successful outcome, and HIV status and CD4 level did not correlate significantly with procedural success. Statistically, no technical reason had an impact on the success of the procedure when correlated with HIV status. The detection of lymphadenopathy was noted in 19.1% of patients who were HIV positive and in 42.4% of patients who were HIV negative, and was the only feature of significance.

CONCLUSION

Coinfection with HIV does not have an impact on the success of BAE in patients with active PTB or with the sequelae of PTB who present with massive or life-threatening haemoptysis. Technical success does not imply clinical success, regardless of HIV status. Improvement in technique locally may improve outcome.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

PTB coinfection with HIV should not affect the decision to consider BAE.

Bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis

Bronchial artery angiography with embolization has become a mainstay in the treatment of hemoptysis. Major complications are rare and immediate clinical success defined as cessation of hemorrhage ranges in most series from 85% to 100%, although recurrence of hemorrhage ranges from 10% to 33%. Bronchial artery embolization offers a minimally invasive procedure for even the most compromised patient serving as first-line treatment for hemorrhage as well as providing a bridge to more definitive medical or surgical intervention focused upon the etiology of the hemorrhage. The aim of this article is to summarize the etiologies, pathophysiology, and the diagnostic and management strategies of hemoptysis as related to bronchial artery embolization. In addition, the techniques of arteriography and embolization as well as associated procedural outcomes and complications are delineated.

Posterior circulation stroke after bronchial artery embolization

We report on a 66-year-old woman with a posterior circulation stroke that occurred after bronchial artery embolization (BAE) due to post-tuberculous bronchiectasis. Stroke is a rare complication of BAE and is usually thought to be caused by inadvertent embolization via a bronchial artery-pulmonary vein shunt. However, the possibility of thromboembolic stroke should be considered, because of the patient's possible underlying anatomical variations or atherothrombosis.

Bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis

Bronchial artery bleeding is the most common cause of life-threatening hemoptysis. The most common underlying etiologies include tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, aspergillosis, and cystic fibrosis. Bronchial artery embolization is an important treatment for significant hemoptysis, given its high early success rate and relatively low risk compared with alternative medical and surgical treatments. In this article, the relevant anatomy and pathophysiology leading to bronchial artery bleeding is discussed, including the roles of parenchymal lung diseases and of collateral and aberrant vessels. The indications for treatment, success rate, and complication rate for bronchial artery embolization are reviewed. Preprocedure clinical stabilization and evaluation, including the roles of radiographs, bronchoscopy, and computed tomography examination are evaluated. Details of technique, including the published variety of approaches, and an emphasis on avoidance of nontarget embolization of important mediastinal structures and of the anterior spinal artery are discussed.

Bronchial artery embolization for treatment of life-threatening hemoptysis

Massive hemoptysis is an emergent and life-threatening condition with a broad range of underlying causes. Fortunately, massive hemoptysis accounts for a minority of cases of hemoptysis, ~5%. Unlike hemorrhage in other areas of the body, the primary cause of death from pulmonary hemorrhage is most commonly asphyxiation rather than exsanguination. Given the limited capacity for the lung to preserve oxygen transfer in the setting of massive hemoptysis, a rapid and effective method for controlling hemorrhage is essential to minimize death in patients demonstrating respiratory compromise. Since its introduction in 1973, bronchial artery embolization has proven to be a safe and effective tool for the treatment of massive hemoptysis and is now considered the treatment of choice, with initial success rates ranging from 77 to 94%. The long-term control rate of hemoptysis ranges from 70 to 85% and is largely a function of the degree of inflammation and the natural progression of the underlying disease. This article reviews the current literature on bronchial artery embolization for the treatment of massive hemoptysis.

Nine-Year Single-Center Experience With Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Hemoptysis: Medium-Term Outcomes

Purpose: To determine the medium-term efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for hemoptysis. Materials and Methods: A total of 128 TAE were performed from April 1999 to April 2008 in 58 patients (30:28 F:M) with mean age of 49 (range:16-89). Major causes of hemoptysis included cystic fibrosis/bronchiectasis (24 of 58); lung metastasis (8 of 58); lung cancer (7 of 58); fungal infection (4 of 58). Follow-up was available in 57 of 58 for a median of 1.28 years. Primary and secondary efficacy of TAE for hemoptysis was calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results: Technical and clinical successes were estimated at 58 (100%) of 58 and 57 (98%) of 58, respectively. Recurrent hemoptysis occurred in 40% (23 of 58). In all, 34% (20 of 58) died during follow-up. Kaplan-Meier estimates for primary and secondary efficacy of TAE at 2, 4, 6, and 8 years were 0.82, 0.46, 0.17, and 0.09 (benign disease) and 0.30, 0, 0, and 0 (malignant disease), respectively. Conclusion: TAE is an effective treatment for hemoptysis in both short- and medium-terms, especially in benign lung disease.

Bronchial and nonbronchial systemic artery embolization in patients with major hemoptysis: safety and efficacy of N-butyl cyanoacrylate

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of N-butyl cyanoacrylate for bronchial and nonbronchial systemic artery embolization in the management of major hemoptysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From March 2004 through March 2006, 108 patients with major hemoptysis underwent embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate. The common conditions causing hemoptysis were bronchiectasis (n = 34), sequelae of tuberculosis (n = 31), active tuberculosis (n = 18), lung cancer (n = 8), and aspergilloma (n = 6). A retrospective analysis of postprocedure outcomes, including immediate success, recurrence of hemoptysis, cause of recurrence, and complications, was performed.

RESULTS

Immediate success was achieved in 105 patients (97.2%). During the follow-up period (range, 5 days-63 months; median, 28.5 months), recurrent hemoptysis was found in 21 of the 105 patients (20%). Repeat angiograms (n = 14) revealed incomplete embolization during the initial procedure in seven patients with early recurrence (< 3 months) and revascularization of nonbronchial systemic collateral arteries in seven patients with late recurrence (> 3 months). No recanalization of embolized arteries was found on repeat angiograms or at follow-up CT. The cumulative nonrecurrence rates were 91.4% 1 month, 83.4% 1 year, 76.7% 3 years, and 56.8% 5 years after the initial procedure. The procedure-related complications included transient chest pain (n = 21) and denudation of the bronchial mucosa (n = 3), which was clinically silent but found at bronchoscopy.

CONCLUSION

N-butyl cyanoacrylate is a safe and effective agent for embolization in patients with major hemoptysis.

Bronchial artery embolization for management of massive cryptogenic hemoptysis: a case series

Introduction

Hemoptysis constitutes a common and urgent medical problem. Swift and effective management is of crucial importance, especially in severe, life-threatening cases. In cases of idiopathic hemoptysis, in which no underlying pulmonary pathology can be identified, treatment is challenging. We report our experience with bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of massive idiopathic hemoptysis.

Cases presentation

We report three consecutive cases of acute severe idiopathic hemoptysis. Our patients (two men aged 51 and 56 years and one woman aged 46 years), were of Caucasian ethnicity. We discuss the results and management of the patients, and review the literature. All three patients were treated safely and successfully with transcatheter embolization of the bronchial arteries using tris-acryl gelatin microspheres. Hemoptysis was controlled. All cases were followed up for 12 months, and there was no recurrence of bleeding.

Conclusion

Bronchial artery embolization is an effective tool for the evaluation and treatment of massive idiopathic hemoptysis.

Hemoptysis requiring bronchial artery embolization in pulmonary arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVES

Hemoptysis is an uncommon complication in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Although the mechanism of hemoptysis is unknown, treatment with bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is proposed to be a safe and reliable method of treatment. We report our experience in treating PAH patients presenting with acute hemoptysis that required multiple BAEs.

METHODS

Three female and one male PAH patients, ages 45 + or - 9 years (mean + or - standard deviation [SD]) presented with acute hemoptysis. Right ventricular systolic pressure and cardiac index at the time of the first episode of hemoptysis were 85 + or - 17 mm Hg and 2.7 + or - 0.7 L/min/m, respectively. Two of the four patients had recurrent episodes of hemoptysis, requiring multiple BAEs. All four were on intravenous prostacyclin analogue. None were receiving warfarin or endothelin receptor antagonists at the time of the episode. During each episode of hemoptysis, international normalized ratio (INR) was 1.09 + or - 0.11 units, and platelet count was 124,000 + or - 47,000 per microliter.

RESULTS

Each episode of hemoptysis was acutely terminated with BAE. In the majority of cases, patients had multiple aberrant bronchial arteries embolized, and an average of 2.3 arteries was embolized per session (1-4 embolized arteries). Each BAE was performed utilizing polyvinyl alcohol particles, ranging from 250-500 microns. There were no reported complications of the 14 BAE procedures performed.

CONCLUSION

Although the incidence of hemoptysis is unknown and likely underreported, we report our experience in which recurrent hemoptysis was treated with multiple BAE procedures. This report emphasizes the efficacy and safety of BAE in terminating episodes of recurrent hemoptysis in patients with severe PAH.

Radiological management of hemoptysis: a comprehensive review of diagnostic imaging and bronchial arterial embolization

Hemoptysis can be a life-threatening respiratory emergency and indicates potentially serious underlying intrathoracic disease. Large-volume hemoptysis carries significant mortality and warrants urgent investigation and intervention. Initial assessment by chest radiography, bronchoscopy, and computed tomography (CT) is useful in localizing the bleeding site and identifying the underlying cause. Multidetector CT angiography is a relatively new imaging technique that allows delineation of abnormal bronchial and nonbronchial arteries using reformatted images in multiple projections, which can be used to guide therapeutic arterial embolization procedures. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is now considered to be the most effective procedure for the management of massive and recurrent hemoptysis, either as a first-line therapy or as an adjunct to elective surgery. It is a safe technique in the hands of an experienced operator with knowledge of bronchial artery anatomy and the potential pitfalls of the procedure. Recurrent bleeding is not uncommon, especially if there is progression of the underlying disease process. Prompt repeat embolization is advised in patients with recurrent hemoptysis in order to identify nonbronchial systemic and pulmonary arterial sources of bleeding. This article reviews the pathophysiology and causes of hemoptysis, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic options, and technique and outcomes of BAE.

Renal and splenic micro-infarctions following bronchial artery embolization with tris-acryl microspheres

A bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is an important therapeutic method used to control acute and chronic hemoptysis. We report a case of multiple micro-infarcts involving both the kidneys and spleen, following a BAE with 500-700 µm crossed-linked tris-acryl microspheres (Embospheres) in a patient with bronchial artery pulmonary vein shunts. The superior penetration characteristics of the microspheres may have resulted in the greater tendency to cross the bronchial artery pulmonary vein shunts, which subsequently caused the systemic infarcts in our patient. We propose the use of larger sized microspheres (700-900 µm), which may aid in avoiding this complication.

Haemoptysis and bronchial artery embolization in children

Haemoptysis varies in significance from trivial to fatal. The most common causes in children are tuberculosis, fungal infections and bronchiectasis of any cause. In populations of European origin, cystic fibrosis is the most common predisposing factor. Chronic or life-threatening haemoptysis requires further investigation. Various forms of treatment are possible, and management is optimized when a multidisciplinary team is available. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is effective in controlling haemoptysis in most cases, although recurrent bleeding is not uncommon. BAE is often technically challenging, however, and requires angiographic skills that are not always available in children's hospitals. Although the procedure is usually regarded as relatively safe, complications are not uncommon and may be severe or even fatal.

Preoperative embolization of hypervascular Castleman's disease of the mediastinum

We report the case of a 31-year-old woman with mediastinal Castleman's disease of the hyaline vascular type. This large tumor was safely resected after arterial embolization. We describe the steps of this interventional procedure and discuss related necessary precautions.

Management of severe hemoptysis from pulmonary aspergilloma using endovascular embolization

PURPOSE

To determine the effectiveness of endovascular embolization as a temporizing measure in the management of severe hemoptysis caused by intracavitary pulmonary aspergilloma.

METHODS

Patients presenting with hemoptysis, estimated to be more than 300 ml in the preceding 24 hr, in whom a radiological diagnosis of pulmonary aspergilloma was made on chest radiographs and/or computed tomography of the chest were subjected to bronchial and systemic arteriography and embolization using triacryl microspheres.

RESULTS

Twelve patients with upper lobe intracavitary aspergillomas were managed with embolization. In 11 patients hemoptysis stopped within 24 hr and with no recurrence over the next 4 weeks. In 1 patient hemoptysis persisted and an upper lobe lobectomy was performed.

CONCLUSION

Embolization of bronchial and systemic arteries is an effective method for treating acute severe hemoptysis from intracavitary aspergillomas, allowing the patient time to recover for definitive surgical management.

Long-term effect of bronchial artery embolization in Korean patients with haemoptysis

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) has been regarded as a bridging therapy in the management of massive haemoptysis until a more definite therapy can be pursued. The long-term effectiveness of BAE and the factors associated with failure to control bleeding in an Asian setting of tuberculosis are unknown and were investigated.

METHODS

Over approximately 4 years, 139 patients received BAE to treat haemoptysis at a single centre, of these, 118 had been followed up for more than 1 year (median 23 months) and were retrospectively recruited into the study. Patients were divided into those who required readmission for treatment of recurrent haemoptysis after BAE (re-bleeding group), and those who did not (non-rebleeding group).

RESULTS

Of the 118 patients, 112 (95.8%) had haemoptysis of greater than 100 mL per day. The most common underlying cause of haemoptysis was pulmonary tuberculosis. Eight patients, four of whom had advanced lung cancer, died after BAE. There were 32 patients (27.1%) in the re-bleeding group. Aspergillosis was significantly associated with re-bleeding after BAE (P<0.05). There were no differences in gender, age, degree of haemoptysis, or APACHE II scores between the re-bleeding and non-rebleeding groups. Twelve patients in the re-bleeding group had a repeat BAE only, whereas seven underwent surgery after repeat BAE. Of the 118 patients who underwent initial BAE, one showed a transient spinal ischaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE with appropriate medical treatment should be sufficient for most patients with massive haemoptysis. In patients with massive haemoptysis due to aspergilloma, however, elective surgery should be considered if bleeding is not controlled by repeated BAE.