Science Letters

Outcomes of Bronchial Artery Embolization in Massive Hemoptysis of Various Etiologies

Nishej Khanal, Hai-Bin Shi*

Department of Radiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, 300-Guangzhou Road, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China

Abstract

Massive hemoptysis characterized by the expectoration of 300 ml to 600 ml of blood in 24 hours, can be life threatening and without any regards to the etiologic factors, emergency management of this condition is crucial in restoring the health of the patient. Bronchial artery embolization has been gaining popularity in controlling massive hemoptysis and recurrent hemoptysis due to different etiologies. Along with its soaring use in interventional radiology, bronchial artery embolization definitely has proved itself to be useful in achieving hemostasis with minimal invasion and fewer post-procedure complications. This has especially been evident in the patients with other comorbid conditions that render them unfit for a surgical approach to hemostasis. Nevertheless, the benefits of this procedure have not yet been solidified. Low sample size and lack of longer duration of follow-ups may have played a significant role in this. This review compares and summarizes the immediate and long-term benefits achieved in various studies conducted around the world to conclude that bronchial artery embolization is extremely effective in achieving immediate hemostasis with the least amount of complications. In addition, the long-term outcomes of the procedure are also overwhelmingly successful with a lesser number of recurrences and longer overall survival.