Evaluation of latent hemoptysis in Sulfur Mustard injured patients

Hemoptysis is one of the mustard exposed patients' symptoms. Data from one study on survivors of Sulfur Mustard attacks during World War I had revealed an increased rate of lung cancer among them. Aim of this study was to determine lung HRCT and fluorescence bronchoscopy findings in mustard exposed patients with hemoptysis.

In this cross-sectional study we evaluated 98 patients with protracted hemoptysis in association with history of single exposure to SM. For this mean we used different lung cancer screening tools including HRCT, bronchoscopy (WLB and fluorescence) and pathology (bronchial lavage cytology and biopsy).

Mean time of exposure to SM among cases was 15.5±4.3 (mean±S.D.) years ago. Mean age of studied patients was 48.3±8.2 years. No finding had been found supporting the malignancy in any of cases via imaging and pathological evaluations. Cytological investigation of bronchial lavage for TB (staining and culture) and/or malignancy in all cases was negative. Pathology findings of specimens were: 9% normal, 83% chronic inflammation and 8% squamous metaplasia.

Though our findings are in accordance to other studies which are conducted by other Iranian researchers so far, we cannot overlook the risk of lung cancer among SM patients in future. In conclusion, hemoptysis per se in acutely exposed SM patients could not be considered as a valuable evidence of lung malignancy and it is more likely due to other pathologies of respiratory system in SM patients and close monitoring of these patients for early detection of any kind of malignancy is suggested.