Bronchial Artery Embolization in Massive Hemoptysis with a Rare Cause and Unusual Bronchial Artery Anatomy

Massive hemoptysis is one of the most important respiratory emergencies and pulmonary infiltrating diseases are among the rare causes of hemoptysis. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a safe and effective treatment in these patients. Our case was a 45 years old woman with a 7 year history of Hodgkin's lymphoma who presented with massive hemoptysis of 20 days duration. CT scan revealed prebronchial infiltrating pattern. Diagnostic angiography showed hypervascularity in both hilar and perihilar areas and simultaneous opacification of both bronchial arteries from a right common trunk. BAE was successfully performed with 300 μ diameter polyvinyl alcohol. In follow up, hemoptysis did not recurred and patient was in good general health. Acta Medica Iranica, 42(2): 307-310; 2004