Outcomes Following Bronchial Artery Embolisation for Haemoptysis in Cystic Fibrosis

Neurovascular complications post bronchial artery embolisation in patients with cystic fibrosis. A 7-year single centre retrospective review

Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is a treatment used to manage haemoptysis. We performed a 7-year review of BAE procedures for haemoptysis at our CF centre aiming to evaluate the incidence and outcomes of patients with neurovascular complications post-BAE. Our review suggests that whilst BAE is an effective method for controlling life-threatening haemoptysis, patients are at risk of developing neurovascular complications with long term residual symptoms, and therefore careful consideration should be given in offering BAE, especially to otherwise well patients with chronic small volume haemoptysis and managing teams should have a low threshold to image symptomatic patients.

Which Is the Best Way to Treat Massive Hemoptysis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

INTRODUCTION

Hemoptysis is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory system diseases. Common causes include bronchiectasis, tumors, tuberculosis, aspergilloma, and cystic fibrosis. The severity of hemoptysis varies from mild to moderate to massive hemoptysis and can easily lead to hemodynamic instability and death from suffocation or shock. Nevertheless, the most threatening hemoptysis that is presented to the emergency department and requires hospitalization is the massive one. In these cases, today, the most common way to manage hemoptysis is bronchial artery embolization (BAE).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from January 2017 (with the aim of selecting the newest possible reports in the literature) until May 2023 for studies reporting massive hemoptysis. All studies that included technical and clinical success rates of hemoptysis management, as well as rebleeding and mortality rates, were included. A proportional meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of the 30 studies included in this systematic review, 26 used bronchial artery embolization as a means of treating hemoptysis, with very high levels of both technical and clinical success (greater than 73.7% and 84.2%, respectively). However, in cases where it was not possible to use bronchial artery embolization, alternative methods were used, such as dual-vessel intervention (80% technical success rate and 66.7% clinical success rate), customized endobronchial silicone blockers (92.3% technical success rate and 92.3% clinical success rate), antifibrinolytic agents (50% clinical success rate), and percutaneous transthoracic embolization (93.1% technical success rate and 88.9% clinical success rate), which all had high success rates apart from antifibrinolytic agents. Of the 2467 patients included in these studies, 341 experienced rebleeding during the follow-up period, while 354 other complications occurred, including chest discomfort, fever, dysphagia, and paresis. A total of 89 patients died after an episode of massive hemoptysis or during the follow-up period. The results of the meta-analysis showed a pooled technical success of bronchial artery embolization equal to 97.22% and a pooled clinical success equal to 92.46%. The pooled recurrence was calculated to be 21.46%, while the mortality was 3.5%. These results confirm the ability of bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of massive hemoptysis but also emphasize the high rate of recurrence following the intervention, as well as the risk of death.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, massive hemoptysis can be treated with great clinical and technical success using bronchial artery embolization, reducing mortality. Mortality has now been reduced to a small percentage of cases.

Which Is the Best Way to Treat Massive Hemoptysis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Introduction: Hemoptysis is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory system diseases. Common causes include bronchiectasis, tumors, tuberculosis, aspergilloma, and cystic fibrosis. The severity of hemoptysis varies from mild to moderate to massive hemoptysis and can easily lead to hemodynamic instability and death from suffocation or shock. Nevertheless, the most threatening hemoptysis that is presented to the emergency department and requires hospitalization is the massive one. In these cases, today, the most common way to manage hemoptysis is bronchial artery embolization (BAE). Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from January 2017 (with the aim of selecting the newest possible reports in the literature) until May 2023 for studies reporting massive hemoptysis. All studies that included technical and clinical success rates of hemoptysis management, as well as rebleeding and mortality rates, were included. A proportional meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model. Results: Of the 30 studies included in this systematic review, 26 used bronchial artery embolization as a means of treating hemoptysis, with very high levels of both technical and clinical success (greater than 73.7% and 84.2%, respectively). However, in cases where it was not possible to use bronchial artery embolization, alternative methods were used, such as dual-vessel intervention (80% technical success rate and 66.7% clinical success rate), customized endobronchial silicone blockers (92.3% technical success rate and 92.3% clinical success rate), antifibrinolytic agents (50% clinical success rate), and percutaneous transthoracic embolization (93.1% technical success rate and 88.9% clinical success rate), which all had high success rates apart from antifibrinolytic agents. Of the 2467 patients included in these studies, 341 experienced rebleeding during the follow-up period, while 354 other complications occurred, including chest discomfort, fever, dysphagia, and paresis. A total of 89 patients died after an episode of massive hemoptysis or during the follow-up period. The results of the meta-analysis showed a pooled technical success of bronchial artery embolization equal to 97.22% and a pooled clinical success equal to 92.46%. The pooled recurrence was calculated to be 21.46%, while the mortality was 3.5%. These results confirm the ability of bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of massive hemoptysis but also emphasize the high rate of recurrence following the intervention, as well as the risk of death. Conclusion: In conclusion, massive hemoptysis can be treated with great clinical and technical success using bronchial artery embolization, reducing mortality. Mortality has now been reduced to a small percentage of cases.

Effect of computed tomography angiography prior to bronchial embolization on radiation dose and recurrent hemoptysis

PURPOSE

To investigate whether pre-procedure Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) improves radiation exposure, procedure complexity, and symptom recurrence after bronchial embolization for massive hemoptysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective review of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for massive hemoptysis was performed for procedures between 2008 and 2019. Multi-variate analysis was performed to determine the significance of pre-procedure CTA and etiology of hemoptysis on patient radiation exposure (reference point air kerma, RPAK) and rate of recurrent hemoptysis.

RESULTS

There were 61 patients (mean age 52.5 years; SD = 19.2 years, and 57.3% male) and CTA was obtained for 42.6% (26/61). Number of vessels selected was a mean of 7.2 (SD = 3.4) in those without CTA and 7.4 (SD = 3.4) in those with CTA (p = 0.923). Mean procedure duration was 1.8 h (SD = 1.6 h) in those without CTA and 1.3 h (SD = 1.0 h) in those with CTA (p = 0.466). Mean fluoroscopy time and RPAK per procedure were 34.9 min (SD = 21.5 min) and 1091.7 mGy (SD = 1316.6 mGy) for those without a CTA and 30.7 min (SD = 30.7 min) and 771.5 mGy (SD = 590.0 mGy) for those with a CTA (p = 0.523, and p = 0.879, respectively). Mean total iodine given was 49.2 g (SD = 31.9 g) for those without a CTA and 70.6 g (SD = 24.9 g) for those with a CTA (p = 0.001). Ongoing hemoptysis at last clinical follow up was 13/35 (37.1%) in those without CTA and 9/26 (34.6%) in those with CTA (p = 0.794).

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-procedure CTA did not improve radiation effective dose and symptom recurrence after BAE and is associated with significant increases in total iodine dose.

Bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis in adult patients with cystic fibrosis: a single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Hemoptysis is a severe complication of cystic fibrosis (CF) for which bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is an efficient primary therapeutic option. However, recurrence is more frequent than for other etiologies of hemoptysis.

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and efficacy of BAE in patients with CF and hemoptysis and predictive factors for recurrent hemoptysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed all adult patients with CF treated by BAE for hemoptysis in our center from 2004 to 2021. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of hemoptysis after bronchial artery embolization. Secondary endpoints were overall survival and complications. We introduced the vascular burden (VB) defined as the sum of all bronchial artery diameters measured on pre-procedural enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans.

RESULTS

A total of 48 BAE were performed in 31 patients. A total of 19 recurrences occurred with a median recurrence-free survival of 3.9 years. In univariate analyzes, percentage of unembolized VB (%UVB) (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI=1.016-1.052; P < 0.001) and %UVB vascularizing the suspected bleeding lung (%UVB-lat) (HR = 1.024, 95% CI=1.012-1.037; P < 0.001) were associated with recurrence. In multivariate analyzes, only %UVB-lat remained significantly associated with recurrence (HR = 1.020, 95% CI=1.002-1.038; P = 0.030). One patient died during follow-up. No complication of grade 3 or higher was reported according to the CIRSE classification system for complications.

CONCLUSION

When possible, unilateral BAE seems sufficient in patients with CF with hemoptysis even in such a diffuse disease involving both lungs. The efficiency of BAE could be improved by thoroughly targeting all arteries vascularizing the bleeding lung.

The Lung Transplant Candidate, Indications, Timing, and Selection Criteria

Lung transplantation can be lifesaving for patients with advanced lung disease. Demographics are evolving with recipients now sicker but determining candidacy remains predicated on one's underlying lung disease prognosis, along with the likelihood of posttransplant success. Determining optimal timing can be challenging, and most programs favor initiating the process early and proactively to allow time for patient education, informed decision-making, and preparation. A comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation is used to elucidate disease progrnosis and identify risk factors for poor posttransplant outcomes. Candidacy criteria vary significantly by center, and close communication between referring and transplant providers is necessary to improve access to transplant and outcomes.

Approaches to the management of haemoptysis in young people with cystic fibrosis

Haemoptysis occurs in up to 25 % of young people with Cystic fibrosis (CF) [1]. We undertook a literature review and described the management approach to haemoptysis in CF between 2010 and 2020 at an Australian tertiary paediatric centre, The Children's Hospital Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, using a retrospective review of the medical records which identified 67 episodes. Sixty episodes met inclusion criteria, including 31 patients. Using the US CF Foundation guidelines, episodes were classified as scant (53.3 %), moderate (38.3 %) or massive (8.3 %). Fifty-two percent of patients were female, mean age at presentation was 15.4 years (SD+/- 2.4) and 58 % were homozygous for the Fdel508 genotype. Twelve episodes (9 patients) required bronchial artery embolization (BAE). BAE was used in all cases of massive haemoptysis 5/5 (100 %), 6/23 (22 %) episodes of moderate and 1/32 (3 %) episode of scant haemoptysis as an elective procedure for recurrent haemoptysis. Our literature review and institutional experience highlights the need for up-to-date management guidelines in the management of haemoptysis in Cystic Fibrosis. Based on our experience, we provide a proposed algorithm to help guide the management of haemoptysis in CF.

Role of Bronchial Artery Embolization as Early Treatment Option in Stable Cystic Fibrosis Patients with Sub-Massive Hemoptysis: Personal Experience and Literature Review

(1) Background: We describe our experience with cystic fibrosis (CF) patients treated with bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for sub-massive hemoptysis to understand if early treatment of sub-massive hemoptysis can reduce the volume of any subsequent bleedings. (2) Materials: We performed a retrospective study including CF patients who underwent angiographic procedures for BAE following sub-massive hemoptysis, from March 2016 to December 2021. All patients underwent an initial chest angio-CT study. BAE was realized with microspheres or coils. (3) Results: Thirteen patients were included, subjected to at least one BAE after sub-massive hemoptysis, for a total of 19 procedures. Technical success was 94.7%; in a single case, the catheterization of the bronchial arterial feeder was not achievable and the procedure was repeated. Primary clinical success was 92.3%; secondary clinical success was 69.2%. Relative clinical success was 85%. A higher incidence of recurrent hemoptysis following treatment with coils was observed (100% of cases) compared to treatment with microspheres (54.5% of cases) χ2 = 5.43 (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: BAE is a safe and effective method for the treatment of hemoptysis in CF patients; it should be practiced not only after massive or recurrent hemoptysis but also in patients with sub-massive bleeding to improve their life expectancy and quality of life.

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.

Consensus document for the selection of lung transplant candidates: An update from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation

Tens of thousands of patients with advanced lung diseases may be eligible to be considered as potential candidates for lung transplant around the world each year. The timing of referral, evaluation, determination of candidacy, and listing of candidates continues to pose challenges and even ethical dilemmas. To address these challenges, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation appointed an international group of members to review the literature, to consider recent advances in the management of advanced lung diseases, and to update prior consensus documents on the selection of lung transplant candidates. The purpose of this updated consensus document is to assist providers throughout the world who are caring for patients with pulmonary disease to identify potential candidates for lung transplant, to optimize the timing of the referral of these patients to lung transplant centers, and to provide transplant centers with a framework for evaluating and selecting candidates. In addition to addressing general considerations and providing disease specific recommendations for referral and listing, this updated consensus document includes an ethical framework, a recognition of the variability in acceptance of risk between transplant centers, and establishes a system to account for how a combination of risk factors may be taken into consideration in candidate selection for lung transplantation.

Outcomes of artery embolisation for cystic fibrosis patients with haemoptysis: a 20-year experience at a major Australian tertiary centre

There are no published data on Australian adult cystic fibrosis (CF) patient outcomes post bronchial arterial embolisation (BAE). We report 20 years of experience of BAE at a major Australian tertiary adult CF centre, where 46 patients underwent 100 BAE during this period. Mortality rate was comparable to previous studies (4% per year) and most who died had repeat BAE requirements. A higher proportion (9 out of 45) of patients were transplanted compared to previous publications. Repeat BAE was common and significantly higher in patients already on tranexamic acid.

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.

Clinical outcomes of cystic fibrosis patients with hemoptysis treated with bronchial artery embolization

OBJECTIVE

Massive hemoptysis is one of the most serious complications in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to evaluate the hemoptysis-free period following bronchial and non-bronchial artery embolization (BAE/non-BAE) in CF patients and to investigate predictors of recurrent bleeding and mortality by any cause.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of CF patients ≥ 16 years of age undergoing BAE/non-BAE for hemoptysis between 2000 and 2017.

RESULTS

We analyzed 39 hemoptysis episodes treated with BAE/non-BAE in 17 CF patients. Hemoptysis recurrence rate was 56.4%. Of the sample as a whole, 3 (17.6%) were hemoptysis-free during the study period, 2 (11.8%) underwent lung transplantation, and 3 (17.6%) died. The median hemoptysis-free period was 17 months. The median hemoptysis-free period was longer in patients with chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31 months; 95% CI: 0.00-68.5) than in those without that type of infection (4 months; 95% CI: 1.8-6.2; p = 0.017). However, this association was considered weak, and its clinical significance was uncertain due to the small number of patients without that infection.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE appears to be effective in the treatment of hemoptysis in patients with CF.

Coil embolisation for massive haemoptysis in cystic fibrosis

Introduction

Massive haemoptysis is a life-threatening event in advanced cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease with bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) as standard of care treatment. The aim of our study was to scrutinise short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with CF and haemoptysis after BAE using coils.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study of 34 adult patients treated for massive haemoptysis with super selective bronchial artery coil embolisation (ssBACE) between January 2008 and February 2015. Embolisation protocol was restricted to the culprit vessel(s) and three lobes maximum. Demographic data, functional end-expiratory volume in 1 s in % predicted (FEV1% pred.) and body mass index before and after ssBACE, sputum colonisation, procedural data, time to transplant and time to death were documented.

Results

Patients treated with ssBACE showed significant improvement of FEV₁% pred. after embolisation (p=0.004) with 72.8% alive 5 years post-ssBACE. Mean age of the patients was 29.9 years (±7.7). Mean FEV₁% pred. was 45.7% (±20.1). Median survival to follow-up was 75 months (0–125). Severe complication rate was 0%, recanalisation rate 8.8% and 5-year-reintervention rate 58.8%. Chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in 79.4%, Staphylococcus areus in 50% and Aspergillus fumigatus in 47.1%.

Discussion

ssBACE is a safe and effective treatment for massive haemoptysis in patients with CF with good results for controlling haemostasis and excellent short-term and long-term survival, especially in severely affected patients with FEV<40% pred. We think the data of our study support the use of coils and a protocol of careful and prudent embolisation.

Pulmonary Complications in Cystic Fibrosis: Past, Present, and Future

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic condition with multisystemic disease manifestations, the most prominent of which occur in the respiratory system. Despite significant developments in disease understanding and therapeutics, each contributing to improved lung function and survival in patients with CF, several pulmonary complications, including pneumothorax, massive hemoptysis, and respiratory failure, continue to occur. In this review, we briefly describe each of these complications and their management and discuss how they impact the care and disease trajectory of individuals in whom they occur. Finally, we discuss the evolving role that palliative care and CF transmembrane conductance regular modulator therapies play in the natural disease course and care of patients with CF.

Embolotherapy in Bronchial Hemorrhage

Hemoptysis, defined as bleeding into the tracheobronchial tree, is a serious symptom that can cause asphyxiation if inadequately treated. Massive hemoptysis carries a very high mortality risk, and therefore, a prompt multidisciplinary approach to hemoptysis is highly encouraged. Bronchial artery embolization has evolved as the mainstay of treatment in control of hemoptysis. It is a low-risk procedure that carries high initial clinical success rates. Despite relatively high recurrence rates, it can be repeated until the underlying disease process can be definitively treated.

Lung transplantation: candidate selection and timing of transplant

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Over the past two decades, lung transplant has become the mainstay of treatment for several end-stage lung diseases. As the field continues to evolve, the criteria for referral and listing have also changed. The last update to these guidelines was in 2014 and several studies since then have changed how patients are transplanted. Our article aims to briefly discuss these updates in lung transplantation.

RECENT FINDINGS

This article discusses the importance of early referral of patients for lung transplantation and the concept of the 'transplant window'. We review the referral and listing criteria for some common pulmonary diseases and also cite the updated literature surrounding the absolute and relative contraindications keeping in mind that they are a constantly moving target. Frailty and psychosocial barriers are difficult to assess with the current assessment tools but continue to impact posttransplant outcomes. Finally, we discuss the limited data on transplantation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to COVID19 as well as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation bridge to transplantation.

SUMMARY

The findings discussed in this article will strongly impact, if not already, how we select candidates for lung transplantation. It also addresses some aspects of lung transplant such as frailty and ARDS, which need better assessment tools and clinical data.

Pediatric Anesthesia Outside the Operating Room: Case Management

Anesthesiology teams care for children in diverse locations, including diagnostic and interventional radiology, gastroenterology and pulmonary endoscopy suites, radiation oncology units, and cardiac catheterization laboratories. To provide safe, high-quality care, anesthesiologists working in these environments must understand the unique environmental and perioperative considerations and risks involved with each remote location and patient population. Once these variables are addressed, anesthesia and procedural teams can coordinate to ensure that patients and families receive the same high-quality care that they have come to expect in the operating room. This article also describes some of the considerations for anesthetic care in outfield locations.

Effect of Including Important Clinical Variables on Accuracy of the Lung Allocation Score for Cystic Fibrosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Rationale: Clinical variables associated with shortened survival in patients with advanced-stage cystic fibrosis (CF) are not included in the lung allocation score (LAS).Objectives: To identify variables associated with wait-list and post-transplant mortality for CF lung transplant candidates using a novel database and to analyze the impact of including new CF-specific variables in the LAS system.Methods: A deterministic matching algorithm identified patients from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry. LAS wait-list and post-transplant survival models were recalculated using CF-specific variables. This multicenter, retrospective, population-based study of all lung transplant wait-list candidates aged 12 years or older from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2014, included 9,043 patients on the lung transplant waiting list and 6,110 lung transplant recipients between 2011 and 2014, comprising 1,020 and 677 with CF, respectively.Measurements and Main Results: Measured outcomes were changes in LAS and lung allocation rank. For CF candidates, any Burkholderia sp. (hazard ratio [HR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-6.6), 29-42 days hospitalized (HR 2.8; CI 1.3-5.9), massive hemoptysis (HR 2.1; CI 1.1-3.9), and relative drop in FEV₁ ≥30% over 12 months (HR 1.7; CI 1.0-2.8) increased wait-list mortality risk; pulmonary exacerbation time 15-28 days (1.8; 1.1-2.9) increased post-transplant mortality risk. A relative drop in FEV₁ ≥10% in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) candidates was associated with increased wait-list mortality risk (HR 2.6; CI 1.2-5.4). Variability in LAS score and rank increased in patients with CF. Priority for transplant increased for COPD candidates. Access did not change for other diagnosis groups.Conclusions: Adding CF-specific variables improved discrimination among wait-listed CF candidates and benefited COPD candidates.

Bronchial Artery Embolisation for Massive Haemoptysis: Immediate and Long-Term Outcomes-A Retrospective Study

Introduction

Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is an established treatment method for massive haemoptysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of BAE on in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival in patients with massive haemoptysis.

Methods

Retrospective review of all cases of acute massive haemoptysis treated by BAE between April 2000 and April 2012 with at least a 5 year follow up of each patient. Targeted BAE was performed in cases with lateralising symptoms, bronchoscopic sites of bleeding or angiographic unilateral abnormal vasculature. In the absence of lateralising symptoms or signs, bilateral BAE was performed.

Results

96 BAEs were performed in 68 patients. The majority (64 cases, 67%) underwent unilateral procedures. 83 (86.5%) procedures resulted in immediate/short term control of haemoptysis which lasted for longer than a month. The mean duration of haemoptysis free period after embolisation was 96 months. There were three major complications (cardio-pulmonary arrest, paraparesis and stroke). 38 (56%) patients were still alive at least 5 years following their BAE. Benign causes were associated with significantly longer haemoptysis free periods, mean survival 108 months compared to 32 months in patients with an underlying malignant cause (p = 0.005). An episode of haemoptysis within a month of the initial embolisation was associated reduced overall survival (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

BAE is effective in controlling massive haemoptysis. Long-term survival depends on the underlying pulmonary pathology. Strategies are required to avoid incomplete initial embolisation, which is associated with ongoing haemoptysis and high mortality despite further BAE.

Bronchial Artery Embolization for Hemoptysis in Cystic Fibrosis Patients: A 17-Year Review

PURPOSE

To review safety and efficacy of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for treatment of hemoptysis in adult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and to report 30-day, 1-year, and 3-year outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2001 and April 2018, 242 patients with CF were evaluated for hemoptysis. Thirty-eight BAEs were performed in 28 patients with hemoptysis. Technical success was defined as freedom from repeat embolization and hemoptysis-related mortality. Clinical success was defined as freedom from repeat embolization and mortality from any cause. Technical and clinical success were examined at 30 days, 1 year, and 3 years after initial BAE. Mean patient age was 32 years, and median follow-up was 4.8 years (range, 10 mo to 16.7 y).

RESULTS

Technical and clinical success rates at 30 days were 89% (25/28) and 82% (23/28), respectively. Success rates at 1 year were 86% (24/28) and 79% (22/28), respectively, and at 3 years were 82% (23/28) and 75% (21/28), respectively. The 30-day overall complication rate was 7.9% (3/38) with 2.6% (1/38) major complication rate and 5.2% (2/38) minor complication rate. Overall 3-year mortality rate was 25% (7/28).

CONCLUSIONS

BAE is safe and effective in patients with CF presenting with life-threatening hemoptysis. BAE results in high rates of long-term technical and clinical success in this patient population despite progressive chronic disease. Repeat embolization is necessary only in a minority of patients.