Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with hemoptysis and nonlocalizing chest roentgenograms

We reviewed retrospectively the records of 45 patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy for hemoptysis in whom chest roentgenograms either were normal or showed only nonlocalizing findings. Follow-up was available for up to three years. In none of the patients was evidence of malignant neoplasms found either at the time of the initial evaluation or at the time of follow-up. This was true for all age groups and for smokers as well as nonsmokers. We conclude that routine fiberoptic bronchoscopy for hemoptysis is not necessarily indicated in patients like ours. Indications for this procedure in this type of case should be carefully weighed.