Unmasking catamenial hemoptysis in the era of CFTR modulator therapy

BACKGROUND

Thoracic endometriosis syndrome (TES) is a rare condition that occurs in women when endometriosis implants into the thoracic cavity. Catamenial hemoptysis, the occurrence of hemoptysis with menstruation, is a recognized clinical manifestation of TES commonly treated with hormonal therapy.

CASE SUMMARY

We present the first documented case describing the recrudescence of catamenial hemoptysis in the setting of Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor administration in a 25-year-old woman with cystic fibrosis (CF).

DISCUSSION

We review the literature on TES, pharmacologic management, and reported cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator drug interactions. We propose that our patient's recrudescence of catamenial hemoptysis was secondary to a drug-drug interaction between Lumacaftor/Ivacaftor and oral contraceptive therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our case suggests that women with CF who have catamenial hemoptysis and a genetic mutation approved for Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor or Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor can be managed effectively with either CFTR modulator and hormonal contraceptive therapy.

Pulmonary aspergilloma: from classification to management

Pulmonary aspergilloma is a form of aspergillosis characterized by the colonization of a preexisting pulmonary cavity, most often of tuberculosis origin. Clinical symptoms are predominately hemoptysis that can be life-threatening, and thoracic computed tomography can distinguish simple from complex pulmonary aspergilloma. The best therapeutic option remains surgery which allows surgical resection of the mycetoma and the underlying cavity. Nonsurgical treatment is performed in inoperable patients because of severe respiratory failure or a poor general condition.

Lateral thoracic artery embolization in cystic fibrosis: A case report

We report the embolization of an aberrant origin of haemoptysis - from the internal branch of the lateral thoracic artery - in a patient affected by cystic fibrosis. The technical implications for embolotheraphy in case of an aberrant origin of a haemorrhage are emphasized. Many different systemic arteries may contribute to the blood supply of the lung and many connections may exist between the systemic, bronchial and pulmonary circulations. The presence of non-bronchial systemic arteries supply should be investigated when inconclusive findings are seen during bronchial artery embolization for haemoptysis.

Pulsed Angiolytic Laser Treatment of Ectasias and Varices in Singers

Objectives:

Varices and ectasias in singers are typically the result of phonotraumatic shearing stresses and/or collision forces on the microcirculation within the superficial lamina propria. These lesions can be debilitating in performing vocalists because of the effect of recurrent hemorrhage and/or as a contributing factor to the morbidity of other mass lesions such as polyps, nodules, and cysts. Phonomicrosurgical treatment of performers is understandably approached with great trepidation, as the vocal liability of surgically disturbing the superficial lamina propria and epithelium must be balanced with the inherent detrimental vocal effect(s) of the lesion(s). Pulsed angiolytic lasers that emit radiation at high absorbance peaks of oxyhemoglobin were examined to determine whether they were an efficacious treatment approach for ectasias and varices based on these lasers' mechanisms of action and prior experience in phonomicrosurgery.

Methods:

A prospective trial was done in 39 patients (40 procedures in 54 vocal folds) without complication to evaluate the effectiveness of a 585-nm pulsed dye laser (PDL; 25 cases) and a 532-nm pulsed KTP laser (15 cases) in a noncontact mode to treat 65 varices and 43 ectasias. Twenty-nine of 39 patients had varices and ectasias associated with other phonotraumatic mass lesions that required resection.

Results:

All patients have resumed full vocal activities, and no patient has had a subsequent hemorrhage or vocal deterioration.

Conclusions:

Both the 585-nm PDL and the 532-nm pulsed KTP laser were found to be efficacious and relatively safe treatment modalities for vascular abnormalities of the vocal folds in singers. Noncontact selective photoangiolysis of the aberrant vessels prevented future bleeding without substantial photothermal trauma to the overlying epithelium and surrounding delicate superficial lamina propria, thereby allowing for optimal postoperative mucosal pliability and glottal sound production. However, the pulsed KTP laser was substantially easier to use because of its enhanced hemostasis due to its longer pulse width. Vessel wall rupture was commonplace during use of the 585-nm PDL, but rarely occurred during photoangiolysis with the 532-nm pulsed KTP laser.

Idiopathic hemoptysis in pregnant women: a distinct entity?

In pregnant women, the reported cases of hemoptysis were most often mild and had an identified cause. Between November 2003 and January 2006, three pregnant women at 16-20 weeks gestation were admitted to our respiratory intensive care unit for massive hemoptysis. One of the women had experienced mild hemoptysis, considered as idiopathic, during her first pregnancy, with no recurrence until her second pregnancy. In all three cases, hemoptysis was massive. CT scan after iodine injection did not reveal any cause. Opacification of the bronchial artery showed hyperemia from abnormally dilated and tortuous bronchial arteries. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) was performed in all three patients, successfully in two. Intravenous vasopressin was used as second-line treatment for recurrent bleeding after BAE in one patient. The women carried the pregnancy to term with delivery of healthy infants. Further complete investigation after the births did not identify any possible local (pulmonary) or general cause of bleeding in these three patients. Although these cases could be considered idiopathic, the close association with duration of pregnancy suggests the hemoptysis may be related to hormonal changes.

Mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysms: Endovascular therapy in two patients

We report two patients with cystic fibrosis and mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysms treated by means of endovascular coil embolization. In one case, the presence of a long segment of bronchial artery proximal to the aneurysm allowed coil embolization with regular steel coils. In the second case, the aneurysm was near the origin of the bronchial artery from the aorta. We used detachable coils to occlude this aneurysm for more precise embolization.

Place de la chirurgie dans le traitement des aspergilloses thoraciques

INTRODUCTION

This article reviews the different forms of pulmonary disease caused by aspergillus and discusses the possible surgical treatments. The most well known is the classic aspergilloma which develops as a fungal ball in the centre of a pre-existing pulmonary cavity.

STATE OF KNOWLEDGE

One can distinguish simple (few symptoms, thin walled cavity without immediate complications) and complex forms (patient generally unwell, thick cavity, complications). In the complex form, surgical intervention must be considered as a last resort. In the simple form, surgery is relatively benign and prevents disease progression. Pleural aspergillosis can occur, usually following the surgical removal of a cavity either in the short or medium term. Given the loss of lung parenchyma thoracoplasty is often the only option.

OUTLINES

Two different scenarios occur in acute invasive aspergillosis where surgery may be indicated: firstly, surgery can be considered in the event of haemoptysis related to vascular erosion; secondly, resection of mycotic sequestrations before intensification or resumption of therapy may prevent a relapse. Semi-invasive aspergillosis usually occurs in territories of post-radiation fibrosis: after a phase of invasion equivalent to a lobar pneumonia, a secondary cavity appears containing a small fungal ball. Thoracoplasty is often the only surgical option. Ulcerating tracheobronchial aspergillosis has been observed following (cardio-) pulmonary transplant and this may progress to a characteristic invasive aspergillosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, rare observations of parietal aspergillosis could be treated by surgical resection and associated with systemic antifungal therapy. Optimum management of these patients requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Necrotic nasopharyngeal mucosa: an ominous MR sign of a carotid artery pseudoaneurysm

Massive hemoptysis is not commonly seen in patients who have nasopharyngeal carcinoma. It most often is the result of both radiation therapy and skull base infection. We present a practical imaging approach by using MR imaging and conventional angiography that may facilitate the prevention of such life-threatening bleeding and help provide effective control of infection. With the aid of these studies, clinicians may be able to manage this condition with more confidence.

[Application of interlocking detachable coil (IDC) in superselective bronchial artery embolization]

Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is almost the only effective nonsurgical treatment for massive hemoptysis. Metallic coils with plastic fibers are widely used as embolic materials. We have introduced an interlocking detachable coil (IDC) for BAE. IDC is a mechanically detachable coil, allowing the operator to seek the ideal shape until its final release. We compared hemoptysis patients treated with conventional metallic coils (24 patients, non-IDC group) with those treated with conventional coils and IDCs (26 patients, IDC group). The hemoptysis rate after three months is significantly lower in the IDC group than in the non-IDC group (7.7% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.035 Fisher's exact method). Total procedure time (in staged or repetitive BAE cases, procedure times are added together) is significantly shorter in the IDC group than in the non-IDC group (3.4 +/- 1.4 hours vs. 4.4 +/- 2.5 hours, p = 0.040 unpaired t-test). IDC is a useful device for BAE. This is the first-ever report documenting the usefulness of IDC for BAE.

[Bronchial bleeding]

The acute and general management of patients with massive hemoptysis is described. Initial priorities are insuring adequate airway protection, ventilation, and cardiovascular function. Major priorities of ongoing hemoptysis to prevent gas exchange are intubation with a large bore endotracheal tube and protection of nonbleeding lung by selective intubation into nonbleeding main stem bronchus. Once the patient stabilized, bronchoscopic procedure to stop bleeding following by bronchial arterial embolization should be planned. While surgery remains only definitive therapy, it should not be used in the acute emergent setting unless it cannot be avoided. Bronchial artery and other feeding arteries in the chest wall should be shut off before surgery to prevent massive bleeding during operation.

[Thoracic aspergillosis: indications for surgery for a multifaceted disease!]

We reviewed the different clinical forms of thoracic aspergillosis and detailed surgical options. Classical aspergiloma where a tuft of Aspergillus grows in a parenchymal cavity is the most well-known entity. Simple forms (little clinical expression, thin-walled cavity without impact on neighboring tIssue) can be distinguished from complex forms (poor general status, thickened cavity, sequellae). Surgery is the last resort for complex forms, but the procedure is benign for simple forms allowing interruption of the spontaneous evolution. Pleural aspergillosis is a common complication of the excision procedure, whether performed early or at mid-term. Thoracoplasty is often required due to the Volume of parenchyma removed. Surgery can be proposed for acute invasive aspergillosis in two situations: to prevent cataclysmic hemoptysis due to a paravascular lesion, or for resection of sequestered mycotic deposits which could lead to generalized reinfection. Semi-invasive aspergillosis is usually observed in areas of post-radiation fibrosis where the typical aspergillar excavation appears after the initial phase of invasion leading to lobular pneumonia. Thoracoplasty is often the only surgical option. Ulcerated aspergillar tracheobronchitis is observed after (heart)-lung transplantation and raises the risk of characteristic invasive aspergillosis. Finally rare observations of parietal aspergillosis have been treated by surgical resection in combination with systemic antifungal agents. Multidisciplinary consultation is required to establish the most appropriate approach.

Endobronchial brachytherapy

High-dose rate endobronchial brachytherapy is a well-tolerated out-patient procedure that provides a high likelihood for durable palliation of symptoms associated with endobronchial tumor. The most significant associated toxicity is late massive hemoptysis, the risk for which can be minimized by careful treatment planning and limiting the size of the delivered dose per fraction to less than 10 Gy, prescribed at 1 cm distance.

Managing life-threatening hemoptysis: has anything really changed?

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To delineate current chest clinicians' approaches to the management of patients with life-threatening hemoptysis.

DESIGN

Survey during a computer-assisted interactive continuing medical education presentation.

SETTING

The 1998 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) Annual Scientific Assembly.

PARTICIPANTS

Chest clinicians attending the respiratory emergency symposium.

RESULTS

Most clinicians (86%) had cared for patients with life-threatening hemoptysis, and 28% had cared for patients with fatal events during the previous year. Those clinicians favored management in the ICU setting (95%) with early endotracheal intubation (85%), and they tended to use a large-bore, single-lumen endotracheal tube (57%). The majority (64%) favored the early performance of diagnostic bronchoscopy during the first 24 h. Most clinicians (79%) used the flexible instrument, a higher frequency than respondents at a similar symposium on hemoptysis at the 1988 ACCP meeting (48%; p < 0.0001). Most current clinicians (77%) had experience with endobronchial measures to control bleeding, but few (14%) found them to be consistently worthwhile. Chest CT scanning was often helpful in diagnosis (55%). In their management of bleeding, half of these clinicians favored the use of interventional angiography, even in operable patients, which is a substantial change from 1988 when 23% had favored this approach (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

During the past decade, life-threatening hemoptysis has remained an important problem. Flexible bronchoscopy and interventional angiography have become increasingly established, more widely accepted approaches to patient care.

Pulmonary angiography and embolization for severe hemoptysis due to cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis

PURPOSE

To identify the role of pulmonary angiography in the diagnosis and treatment of severe hemoptysis due to cavitary pulmonary tuberculosis.

METHODS

Selective pulmonary angiography was performed on eight patients with severe hemoptysis uncontrolled by previous bronchial and systemic arterial embolization.

RESULTS

Three (38%) patients had Rasmussen aneurysms, which were successfully embolized with steel coils. Five patients demonstrated pulmonary arterial hypoperfusion in the diseased lung.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend pulmonary angiography in cavitary tuberculous patients with severe hemoptysis who do not respond to systemic arterial embolization. Rasmussen aneurysms are effectively treated by steel coil occlusion.

Internal mammary artery embolization for hemoptysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors influencing development of blood supply from the internal mammary artery and to discuss the value of embolization of the abnormal branches from this vessel using small particles following occlusion of the normal distal branches using microcoils in treating hemoptysis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Five patients with hemoptysis underwent internal mammary artery embolization with coaxial microcatheter systems. Bronchoscopy, chest radiographs, and CT were performed to determine the site and extent of the basic disease before embolotherapy in all patients.

RESULTS

In all patients, pulmonary lesions had extended from the lung to the adjacent pleural surface at the anterior lung field. Four patients underwent embolization from the proximal portion of the internal mammary artery following distal coil embolization. One patient who underwent only proximal embolization had recurrent bleeding.

CONCLUSION

The internal mammary artery contributes to the perfusion of lesions responsible for hemoptysis when the basic lesion involves the pulmonary parenchyma adjacent to the anterior pleural surface. Initial distal occlusion of the internal mammary artery may improve the efficacy of embolization of this artery for hemoptysis.

Embolization of pulmonary catheter-induced pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the outcome of patients with pulmonary catheter-induced pulmonary artery pseudoansurysms (PSAs) treated with embolization.

DESIGN

Retrospective outcomes review.

SETTING

Large urban tertiary-care hospital.

PATIENTS

All patients who presented to diagnostic angiography for ruptured pulmonary artery PSA caused by pulmonary artery catheters (PACs) from November 1990 to September 1995. A total of six patients were examined.

INTERVENTIONS

Transcatheter embolotherapy with coils, absorbable gelatin sponges (Gelfoam), and suture material.

RESULTS

These procedures were technically successful in all patients, and none had recurrent hemoptysis. Four of the six patients were discharged from the hospital.

CONCLUSION

Embolotherapy is a useful alternative to surgery for some patients with PAC-induced pulmonary PSA.

[Emergency lung resections for invasive aspergillosis in neutropenic patients]

Mortality due to Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA) remains high in neutropenic patients due to pulmonary haemorrhage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the emergency surgical management of IPA. Seven neutropenic patients, with a mean age of 47 years (range: 30-64) (4 women and 3 men) were treated for (6 cases) acute leukaemia one Myeloma (1 case). Presumptive diagnosis of IPA was based on: Halo sign (n = 6) or air-crescent sign (n = 1) on CT scan, positive serology (n = 4), positive antigenemia (n = 3) and positive broncho-alveolar lavage (n = 1). In 2 cases, IPA diagnosis was only based on CT scan. In all cases, aspergillosis lesions were located near the left (n = 5) or right (n = 2) pulmonary artery. The type of pulmonary resection was: left superior lobectomy in 3 cases, left superior lobectomy and Fowler's segmentectomy in 1 case, Left inferior lobectomy in 1 case, right superior lobectomy in 1 case and middle lobectomy and paracardiac segmentectomy. Sleeve resection of the pulmonary artery was performed in two patients. There were no deaths or major postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay after surgery was 12 days (rang: 8-19). Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of IPA. CT is essential to determine the optimal timing for surgery.

Pneumonectomy for unremitting hemoptysis in unilateral absence of pulmonary artery

Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery is a rare malformation that can present as an isolated lesion or may be associated with other congenital heart defects. Clinical presentation is subtle when the lesion occurs alone, and may include hemoptysis, which results from rupture of abundant bronchial submucosal vessels perfused by enlarged systemic collaterals that supply the affected lung. Pneumonectomy is recommended as definitive treatment in such an adult patient.

Transthoracic needle aspiration

Transthoracic needle aspiration is a safe and highly accurate method in the diagnosis of intrathoracic malignancy and should be considered as the procedure of choice in metastatic disease, mediastinal masses, small peripheral nodules, and chest wall involvement. The ability of the radiologist to treat complications and to perform biopsies on an outpatient basis has led to increased acceptance and use of this procedure.

Management of post-tuberculous complex aspergilloma of the lung: role of surgical resection

Of 14 patients with complex aspergilloma complicating healed tuberculosis, 12 underwent lobectomy or pneumonectomy for recurrent haemoptysis. No deaths occurred, though one patient needed re-exploration for bleeding. There was no postoperative worsening of dyspnoea despite a mean forced vital capacity (FVC) of 60% predicted for the patients undergoing surgery and of 20% predicted for two patients with severe restrictive defects, perhaps owing to the fact that there was little or no function in the resected part of the lung, as shown by preoperative isotope ventilation-perfusion scanning, and that patients were under the age of 50 and generally fit. There has been no recurrence of haemoptysis during follow up, which has been from 12 to 33 months. Surgical resection, provided that cases are carefully selected, offers the best chance of cure with low mortality and morbidity.

Bronchial artery embolization to control hemoptysis: a review

Bronchial artery embolization has become an established technique in the management of massive or recurrent hemoptysis. The clinical background, methods, and results of this procedure are discussed, as are the potential complications and their prevention.

Percutaneous embolotherapy in life-threatening hemoptysis

Percutaneous embolization of the bronchial arteries to control massive or recurrent hemoptysis has become an accepted procedure, especially in treating patients with chronic pulmonary disease who are poor candidates for lung resection. Nonbronchial systemic collateral arteries and pulmonary arteries may contribute significantly to pulmonary hemorrhage, but embolization of these vessels has not been stressed in recent literature. When embolization of the bronchial artery fails to control hemoptysis, nonbronchial systemic collateral arteries should be embolized. If no systemic collaterals are present, then embolization of segmental pulmonary arteries may prove helpful.

Control of hemoptysis: systemic angiography and anastomoses of the internal mammary artery

Twenty-three patients with massive and recurrent hemoptysis were examined with angiography. Particular attention was directed to the internal mammary arteries. Specific causes for the bleeding were tuberculosis (n = 9), aspergilloma (n = 8), bronchiectasis (n = 1), primary systemic amyloidosis (n = 1), congenital and acquired pulmonary venous obstruction (n = 2), chronic pulmonary embolism (n = 1), and bilateral congenital pulmonary artery stenosis (n = 1). Eleven of these 23 patients were treated with systemic arterial embolization, and immediate cessation of bleeding occurred in nine. The recognition of the numerous collateral vessels and anastomoses of the internal mammary arteries is essential for successful percutaneous embolization for hemoptysis. The authors outline these various pathways and collateral vessels.

Intraluminal irradiation in bronchogenic carcinoma

Endobronchial tumors present a difficult therapeutic problem. Most often these patients have primary lung cancer and present with endobronchial disease following a definitive course of surgery and/or irradiation. The most common methods of treatment include transbronchial excision of tumor or laser coagulation. The improvement obtained from these procedures is usually limited to 2 or 3 months, and repeated treatments become more difficult and less effective. A number of brachytherapy radiation techniques have been developed to deliver localized radiation in higher doses without exceeding surrounding normal tissue tolerance. Intraluminal radiation with brachytherapy techniques consists of implantation of radioactive pellets into the tumor through a rigid or flexible bronchoscope or the use of afterloading removable implants with remote afterloading techniques. These procedures can be combined with laser therapy to obtain effective palliation and long-term tumor control. Initial results appear promising.

Complications of transthoracic needle biopsy decreased with isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate: a pilot study

To explore the possibility of performing percutaneous lung biopsy safely in patients mechanically ventilated with positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP), transthoracic needle biopsy was performed in 16 anesthetized mongrel dogs mechanically ventilated with 10 cm H2O of PEEP. To obtain the biopsy sample, a 25-gauge "skinny needle" was passed through a 20-gauge sheath and placed up to 6.25 cm deep. After satisfactory samples were obtained, both needles were withdrawn in the control group, but in the treated group, the outer sheath was used to inject 0.5 ml of isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate to seal the needle track. Pneumothorax was present in 7 (87.5%) of 8 dogs in the control group and in 2 (25%) of 8 dogs in the treated group (p = .0147). Lung tissue exhibited an apparent foreign-body granulomatous inflammatory reaction. This technique could extend the benefits of transthoracic needle biopsy to mechanically ventilated patients, but further studies to prove the safety of isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate are necessary.

[Bronchial embolization in the prevention of hemoptysis caused by cystic fibrosis]

Bronchial arteries embolization is a routine treatment of hemophtysis. In patients affected by cystic fibrosis hemophtysis is often very serious, dangerous for their life. The extent of pulmonary lesions, the frequent bilaterality and respiratory dysfunction are contraindications to operation. The authors report their experience on three patients affected by cystic fibrosis with hemophtysis, in which bronchial embolization has been the only therapeutic choice. It performed a good result with immediate stopping of hemophtysis. In all three cases results were not serious relapses, but only rare slight hemophtysis.

Surgery for pulmonary aspergilloma: preoperative embolisation of the bronchial circulation

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Simultaneous superior and inferior vena cava pressure recordings in giant omphalocele repair--a possible guideline for prevention of postoperative circulatory complications

Eleven children underwent second stage repair of giant omphaloceles containing the liver. Simultaneous SVC and IVC pressure before, during and after closure of the abdominal wall was recorded. In all patients with circulatory complications the SVC pressure decreased following surgery. The postoperative pressure ratios in IVC and SVC (Formula: see text) was found to be four times greater in the group with complications. It is suggested that this ratio might serve as an important index in the prediction of abdominal wall closure feasibility in giant omphaloceles.

Management of massive hemoptysis by bronchial artery embolization

Massive hemoptysis is a major clinical and surgical problem with a mortality of 80%, which is most often related to asphyxiation. Thirty-three patients with massive hemoptysis underwent selective bronchial arteriography and treatment by embolization or surgery. Lasting control of hemoptysis was achieved in 27 of 33 patients (81.8%) at follow-up ranging from one to 24 months. Hemoptysis recurred in six of 33 patients (18.2%). Mortality related to hemoptysis was three of 33 patients (9.0%), and overall mortality was six of 33 patients (18.2%). Seven patients underwent surgical treatment in addition to bronchial artery embolization. Patients with mycetoma suffered the highest relapse of bleeding and the highest mortality in this series. In these patients, bronchial artery embolization may be effective in the control of acute bleeding, but permanent control of hemoptysis is achieved only by later surgery. Bronchial artery embolization is an effective way to control massive hemoptysis with a low recurrence rate and reduced mortality among severely ill patients. Although we have had no unfavorable sequelae, reports of neurological damage following bronchial angiography indicate care in avoiding obstruction of the artery of Adamkiewicz.

Massive hemoptysis secondary to flow-directed thermodilution catheters

Hemoptysis is an unusual complication of flow-directed (Swan-Ganz) catheters. Over-inflation of the balloon with a shearing-induced rupture of a small pulmonary artery, and the spear effect of the catheter tip appear to be the mechanisms in the two cases presented. Diligent care to avoid overinflation of the balloon in the pulmonary capillary wedge position by observation of the pressure waveform is critical. The spear effect that is frequently seen during insertion may be eliminated by deflating the balloon at the first appearance of the pulmonary artery waveform and gradual advancement of the catheter five to eight cm, when the balloon is then reinflated to obtain the wedge.