Interventional Radiology for Hemoptysis

Abstract

Massive hemoptysis is one of the most dreaded of all respiratory emergencies and can have a variety of underlying causes. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a relatively safe treatment for refractory hemoptysis. However, non-bronchial systemic arteries can be a significant source of massive hemoptysis and a cause of recurrence after successful BAE. Moreover, a highly-advanced catheter technique is required because of the smaller arterial size, advanced patient’s age and a dangerous complication such as spinal cord injury. In this review, we discuss the indications and contraindications for IVR with the pathophysiologic features of massive bleeding, the importance of MD-CT and CTA before BAE, the technique with the characteristics of the various embolic agents used in the procedure, short-term and long-term results and possible complications.