Early versus delayed bronchial artery embolization for non-massive hemoptysis

The aims of this study were to compare clinical outcomes of early versus delayed bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for non-massive hemoptysis and to investigate predictors of recurrent hemoptysis.

From March 2018 to February 2021, 138 consecutive patients (age, 65.5 ± 12.4 years; male, 67.4%) with non-massive hemoptysis underwent BAE. The enrolled patients were divided into an early embolization (EE) group (within the first 24 h, n = 79) and a delayed embolization (DE) group (n = 59).

The time to embolization ranged between 0 and 15 days and was shorter in the EE group (0.47 ± 0.5 days) than in the DE group (4.02 ± 2.8 days, p < 0.001). The in-hospital clinical outcomes were not different between the two groups, except for hospital stay and post-embolization hospital stay. The recurrence-free survival in the EE group was significantly better than that in the DE group (p = 0.018). The time to embolization (hazard ratio (HR), 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.42; p = 0.015) and aspergilloma (HR, 6.89; 95% CI, 2.08-22.86; p = 0.002) were predictive factors for recurrent hemoptysis.

BAE is an effective and safe treatment modality for non-massive hemoptysis. An early interventional strategy should be considered in patients presenting with non-massive hemoptysis to reduce the length of hospital stay and early recurrence. A delayed time to embolization and the presence of aspergilloma were independent risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis.

• Bronchial artery embolization afforded good clinical improvement for treating non-massive hemoptysis without significant complications. • An early interventional strategy should be considered in patients presenting with non-massive hemoptysis to reduce the length of hospital stay and early recurrence. • A delayed time to embolization and the presence of aspergilloma were independent risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis.