[Hemoptysis in patients with normal roentgenologic findings]

There have been examined 145 patients with hemoptyses and normal x-ray findings. The majority of patients were males, smokers, more than 45 years old. Bronchoscopically the most common findings have been signs of inflammation and blood traces. The most common cause of hemoptyses has been chronic bronchitis in patients older than 45 years, and bronchoectasis in younger patients. Bronchogenous carcinoma was discovered in 8 patients: in 5 by bronchoscopic examination at hemoptysis occurence and in 3 by subsequent follow up after 8, 15 and 20 months. Pulmonary vessel malformations have been discovered in 9 patients, and cardiac diseases have been the cause of hemoptysis in 7 patients. The cause of hemoptysis remained undetected in 33 (22.8%) patients.