An 83-Year-Old Woman With Sudden-Onset Large Volume Hemoptysis During Right Heart Catheterization

An 83-year-old woman with a history of severe mitral and tricuspid valve regurgitation requiring surgical repair, sick sinus syndrome status after permanent pacemaker placement, and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented to the hospital for outpatient right heart catheterization as part of an evaluation for pulmonary hypertension and severe tricuspid regurgitation. During the procedure, the patient began to expectorate a large volume of blood. A rapid response was called due to concerns for respiratory compromise, and the patient was emergently intubated for airway protection. She was subsequently transported to the appropriate unit for further diagnostic studies.