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Bronchial artery embolisation for the treatment of massive haemoptysis resulting from pulmonary tuberculosis


I Carim
H Carim
M Modi

Abstract



Objectives. To report our experience with bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) for the treatment of massive haemoptysis due to untreated or partially treated pulmonary tuberculosis. Materials and methods. In February 2007 five male patients, between the ages of 40 and 51, presented to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH) with massive haemoptysis. Bronchial arteriography and embolisation were performed using a 4 French C2 catheter and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles ranging from 300 to 900 micrometers.
Results. Seven bronchial arteries in total were embolised (2 patients required embolisation of 2 arteries each). The haemoptysis was controlled during the first endovascular treatment session in all 5 patients. No serious complications developed in any of our patients as a result of the interventions. At the 1-month follow-up none of the patients had reported any episodes of haemoptysis. Conclusion. Massive haemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis can be effectively treated with BAE when in a controlled environment, with the proper patient selection and with the appropriate expertise.

South African Journal of Radiology Vol. 11 (2) 2007: pp. 8-12

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eISSN: 2078-6778
print ISSN: 1027-202X