Bronchial Artery Embolization

Analysis of recurrence of risk factors after transcatheter bronchial artery embolization for hemoptysis

BACKGROUND

As a proven and preferred technique for hemoptysis, bronchial artery embolization (BAE) cannot avoid the possibility of postoperative recurrence; however, few studies have examined the causes of hemoptysis recurrence after BAE.

OBJECTIVES

Identify the risk factors for hemoptysis recurrence after BAE treatment.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Tertiary training and research hospital.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 406 patients with hemoptysis, 55 patients who developed with recurrent postembolization hemoptysis, covering the period from January 2011 to January 2021. Single factor analysis and multiple factor logistic regression were used to analyze high-risk factors for hemoptysis recurrence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence and risk factors for recurrence hemoptysis associated with transcatheter BAE.

SAMPLE SIZE

406 patients.

RESULTS

Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) (odds ratio [OR]: 0.052, 95% CI: 0.012-0.225), tumor-related hemoptysis (OR: 20.753, 95% CI: 6.778-63.545), pleural thickening (OR: 3.168, 95% CI: 1.081-9.286), and bilateral lung lesions (OR: 8.442, 95% CI: 2.449-29.101) had a statistically significant impact on the recurrence of hemoptysis after BAE.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative CTA serves as a protective factor against hemoptysis recurrence, whereas tumor-related hemoptysis, pleural thickening, and bilateral lung diseases are significant risk factors for hemoptysis recurrence following interventional therapy.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective analysis of a single center with a small sample, which may have a certain degree of recall bias when collecting data, thus, reducing the reliability of the results.

Lung imaging methods: indications, strengths and limitations

Imaging methods are fundamental tools to detect and diagnose lung diseases, monitor their treatment and detect possible complications. Each modality, starting from classical chest radiographs and computed tomography, as well as the ever more popular and easily available thoracic ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine methods, and new techniques such as photon counting computed tomography, radiomics and application of artificial intelligence, has its strong and weak points, which we should be familiar with to properly choose between the methods and interpret their results. In this review, we present the indications, strengths and main limitations of methods for chest imaging.

Case Report: Ectopic pulmonary embolism as a complication of bronchial artery embolization

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is currently the first-line treatment for massive hemoptysis. Previous studies have proven its safety and efficacy, with mild, transient, and reversible complications. This case described a patient with congenital multiple bronchopulmonary fistulas who underwent BAE due to massive hemoptysis. However, due to an overlooked and misdiagnosed atypical fistula, the patient experienced an ectopic pulmonary embolism and subsequently secondary pulmonary infarction. He eventually exhibited a full postoperative recovery following percutaneous catheter-directed embolectomy. This case revealed a type of occult fistula masked by multiple bronchial artery branches, which may be a potential risk factor for an ectopic pulmonary embolism during BAE. We propose that it is crucial to identify abnormal anastomosis, especially atypical fistula, and select appropriate embolization materials during BAE.

Which Is the Best Way to Treat Massive Hemoptysis? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

INTRODUCTION

Hemoptysis is one of the most common symptoms of respiratory system diseases. Common causes include bronchiectasis, tumors, tuberculosis, aspergilloma, and cystic fibrosis. The severity of hemoptysis varies from mild to moderate to massive hemoptysis and can easily lead to hemodynamic instability and death from suffocation or shock. Nevertheless, the most threatening hemoptysis that is presented to the emergency department and requires hospitalization is the massive one. In these cases, today, the most common way to manage hemoptysis is bronchial artery embolization (BAE).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus from January 2017 (with the aim of selecting the newest possible reports in the literature) until May 2023 for studies reporting massive hemoptysis. All studies that included technical and clinical success rates of hemoptysis management, as well as rebleeding and mortality rates, were included. A proportional meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of the 30 studies included in this systematic review, 26 used bronchial artery embolization as a means of treating hemoptysis, with very high levels of both technical and clinical success (greater than 73.7% and 84.2%, respectively). However, in cases where it was not possible to use bronchial artery embolization, alternative methods were used, such as dual-vessel intervention (80% technical success rate and 66.7% clinical success rate), customized endobronchial silicone blockers (92.3% technical success rate and 92.3% clinical success rate), antifibrinolytic agents (50% clinical success rate), and percutaneous transthoracic embolization (93.1% technical success rate and 88.9% clinical success rate), which all had high success rates apart from antifibrinolytic agents. Of the 2467 patients included in these studies, 341 experienced rebleeding during the follow-up period, while 354 other complications occurred, including chest discomfort, fever, dysphagia, and paresis. A total of 89 patients died after an episode of massive hemoptysis or during the follow-up period. The results of the meta-analysis showed a pooled technical success of bronchial artery embolization equal to 97.22% and a pooled clinical success equal to 92.46%. The pooled recurrence was calculated to be 21.46%, while the mortality was 3.5%. These results confirm the ability of bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of massive hemoptysis but also emphasize the high rate of recurrence following the intervention, as well as the risk of death.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, massive hemoptysis can be treated with great clinical and technical success using bronchial artery embolization, reducing mortality. Mortality has now been reduced to a small percentage of cases.

Society of Chest Imaging and Interventions Consensus Guidelines for the Interventional Radiology Management of Hemoptysis

The recommendations from the Society of Chest Imaging and Interventions expert group comprehensively cover all the aspects of management of hemoptysis, highlighting the role of diagnostic and interventional radiology. The diversity existing in etiopathology, imaging findings, and management of hemoptysis has been addressed. The management algorithm recommends the options for effective treatment while minimizing the chances of recurrence, based on the best evidence available and opinion from the experts.