Early versus delayed bronchial artery embolization for non-massive hemoptysis

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Non-massive hemoptysis poses a significant clinical challenge.
• Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a primary treatment for hemoptysis.
• Optimal timing for BAE in non-massive hemoptysis requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare clinical outcomes between early and delayed BAE for non-massive hemoptysis.
• To identify predictors of recurrent hemoptysis after BAE.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of BAE.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included 138 patients with non-massive hemoptysis undergoing BAE from March 2018 to February 2021.
• Patients were divided into an early embolization (EE) group (within 24 hours) and a delayed embolization (DE) group.
• Clinical outcomes, including recurrence-free survival and hospital stay, were compared between groups.

Main Results:

• The EE group had a shorter time to embolization compared to the DE group (0.47 vs. 4.02 days, p < 0.001).
• Recurrence-free survival was significantly better in the EE group (p = 0.018).
• Delayed embolization (HR 1.21) and aspergilloma (HR 6.89) were independent predictors of recurrent hemoptysis.

Conclusions:

• Bronchial artery embolization is an effective and safe treatment for non-massive hemoptysis.
• An early interventional strategy for BAE is recommended to reduce hospital stay and early recurrence.
• Delayed embolization and aspergilloma are significant risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis.