[Lung hemorrhage as a sequela of heart catheterization study]

We report a case of pulmonary hemoptysis induced by a balloon-tipped catheter. The bleeding ceased spontaneously. Factors known to be associated with pulmonary artery rupture such as pulmonary hypertension, anticoagulant therapy, and advanced age were absent in our patient. Bleeding occurred despite careful consideration of the guidelines for right heart catheterization suggested by Swan and Ganz in 1974. We conclude that hemoptysis may be a complication of balloon-tipped right heart catheterization even in the absence of risk factors for this procedure. Therefore the indication for this intervention should be considered carefully.