Cryptogenic hemoptysis. Clinical features, bronchoscopic findings, and natural history in 67 patients.
We reviewed the clinical outcome of 67 patients with hemoptysis and a normal or nonlocalizing chest roentgenogram and nondiagnostic fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination. During a 38 +/- 22 (SD) month period after bronchoscopy, 57 (85%) patients remained well without evidence of active tuberculosis or overlooked bronchogenic carcinoma, and 9 patients died of nonpulmonary conditions. One patient developed bronchogenic carcinoma 20 months after bronchoscopy and resolution of symptoms. Hemoptysis had resolved completely before hospital discharge in 38 (57%) patients, within 6 months in 60 (90%), and recurred in only 3. Five patients (7.5%) had intermittent episodes of bleeding for more than 1 year. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy effectively excludes specific underlying causes of hemoptysis in the setting of a normal chest roentgenogram. The prognosis for patients with cryptogenic hemoptysis is generally good, usually with resolution of bleeding within 6 months of evaluation.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D001991:Bronchitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000175:diagnosis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000175:diagnosis
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents