Pulmonary hemorrhage. Vascular evaluation and interventional therapy

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Vascular Imaging

Background:

• Massive pulmonary hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition.
• Arteriography is crucial for diagnosing the source of bleeding.
• Bronchial artery embolization is an emerging treatment option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of arteriography in diagnosing massive pulmonary hemorrhage.
• To assess the effectiveness of bronchial artery embolization in controlling pulmonary bleeding.
• To identify factors associated with recurrent hemorrhage.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 25 patients with massive pulmonary hemorrhage.
• Performance of pulmonary or selective bronchial arteriography.
• Gelfoam embolization of the bronchial artery in 16 patients.

Main Results:

• Arteriography confirmed the diagnosis in all evaluated cases.
• Gelfoam embolization achieved immediate cessation of hemorrhage in 16 patients.
• Recurrent hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients with invasive central lung carcinoma.

Conclusions:

• Bronchial artery embolization is a highly effective treatment for massive pulmonary hemorrhage.
• The procedure offers immediate hemostasis.
• Invasive central lung carcinoma is associated with a higher risk of recurrence.