Diagnosis and management of hemoptysis

Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood that originates from the lower respiratory tract. It is usually a self-limiting event but in fewer than 5% of cases it may be massive, representing a life-threatening condition that warrants urgent investigations and treatment. This article aims to provide a...

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Published in:Diagnostic and interventional radiology (Ankara, Turkey) Turkey), 2014-07, Vol.20 (4), p.299-309
Main Authors: Larici, Anna Rita, Franchi, Paola, Occhipinti, Mariaelena, Contegiacomo, Andrea, del Ciello, Annemilia, Calandriello, Lucio, Storto, Maria Luigia, Marano, Riccardo, Bonomo, Lorenzo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Angiography, Digital Subtraction
Bronchial Arteries - diagnostic imaging
Chest Imaging
Embolization, Therapeutic
Hemoptysis - diagnostic imaging
Hemoptysis - therapy
Humans
Multidetector Computed Tomography
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Summary:Hemoptysis is the expectoration of blood that originates from the lower respiratory tract. It is usually a self-limiting event but in fewer than 5% of cases it may be massive, representing a life-threatening condition that warrants urgent investigations and treatment. This article aims to provide a comprehensive literature review on hemoptysis, analyzing its causes and pathophysiologic mechanisms, and providing details about anatomy and imaging of systemic bronchial and nonbronchial arteries responsible for hemoptysis. Strengths and limits of chest radiography, bronchoscopy, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), MDCT angiography and digital subtraction angiography to assess the cause and lead the treatment of hemoptysis were reported, with particular emphasis on MDCT angiography. Treatment options for recurrent or massive hemoptysis were summarized, highlighting the predominant role of bronchial artery embolization. Finally, a guide was proposed for managing massive and nonmassive hemoptysis, according to the most recent medical literature.
ISSN:1305-3825
1305-3612
DOI:10.5152/dir.2014.13426