Embolization for hemoptysis: a six -year review.
OBJECTIVE
To review our method of embolization for hemoptysis.


METHODS
Between 1993 and 1999, 134 patients were treated in our department for hemoptysis. One hundred and sixteen patients were followed up (18 were lost to follow-up) over a period ranging from 1 to 66 months (median 9.5 months, SD 14.81 months). Most cases were due to tuberculosis (83.6%) and malignancy (9.5%). One hundred and three required embolization. Vascular access was obtained via the femoral route but two cases required a brachial approach for abnormal branches of the subclavian artery. All abnormal vessels found were embolized using polyvinyl alcohol particles alone or in combination with gelfoam.


RESULTS
Bronchial artery hypertrophy was found in 88.3% of cases; about a third of which had a nonbronchial systemic contribution. No angiographic abnormalities were found in 11.2%. Our failure rate was 18.4% (58% required surgery while 42% died from massive hemoptysis). Sixteen cases required multiple embolization sessions. No major complications were encountered.


CONCLUSIONS
Embolization is effective for treatment of moderate to massive hemoptysis. The majority of our cases were due to tuberculosis. Approximately one third had nonbronchial systemic artery contributions, indicating that a concerted search for these is mandatory.
Yu-Tang Goh
Peter
P
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Republic of Singapore. pgmich@pacific.net.sg
Lin
Michael
M
Teo
Ngee
N
En Shen Wong
Daniel
D
D000792:Angiography; D001981:Bronchial Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D019233:Retreatment; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications
D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol