Hemoptisis masiva. Embolización selectiva de fístula de arteria bronquial a arteria pulmonar izquierda. Resolución Translated title: Massive hemoptysis. Selective embolization of bronchial artery-left pulmonary artery fistula. Case resolution

Hemoptysis, i.e., the expectoration of blood from the lower airways, has an annual incidence of approximately 0.1% in ambulatory patients and 0.2% in inpatients. It is a potentially life-threatening medical emergency and carries a high mortality.

Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for hemoptysis. Methods and materials Databases with articles published in English, including Pubmed, Embase, Web of science and Chochrane library, were comprehensively searched to get accurate, up-to-date and sufficient literature about BAE for hemoptysis until March 2020. The technical success rates, immediate control rates, recurrence rates, mortality rates, and total complication rates (minor and major complication rates) extracted from the articles were pooled to estimate and assess the efficacy and safety of BAE using random-effect and fixed-effect models. Results 21 articles published between 2008 and 2019, which include a total of 2511 patients, were studied to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BAE. The technical success and immediate control rates are 99.9% (95%CI: 99%–100%) and 99.5% (95%CI: 97.8%–99.2%), respectively. This study showed hemoptysis recurrence in 23.7% (95%CI: 18.5%–28.9%) with a mortality rate of 2% (95%CI: 0–3%). Additionally, the assessment of complications revealed a total complication rate of 13.4% (95% CI: 7.6–19.2%), in which 0.2% (95% CI: 0.2–0.4%) were major complications and 10% (95% CI: 4.7–9.6%) were minor complications. Conclusion BAE is an effective, safe, and feasible procedure with a low complication rate for hemoptysis patients. However, recurrence of hemoptysis is still at high risk after BAE due to different underlying diseases.

Life-threatening hemoptysis is commonly encountered in the ICU and its management can be challenging even for experienced clinicians. Depending on the etiology and severity, one can tailor the treatment modality and therapeutic intervention(s). The grading of severity of hemoptysis varies greatly in the literature; however, unlike hemorrhage in other scenarios, small amounts of blood can significantly impair oxygenation and ventilation leading to cardiovascular collapse. Importantly, the initial evaluation and management should focus on airway and hemodynamic stabilization along with maintenance of oxygenation and ventilation. In this review, we discuss commonly encountered etiologies, vascular anatomy, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic interventions. We examine the evolving trends in etiologies of life-threating hemoptysis over the years. The role of flexible and rigid bronchoscopy as both a diagnostic and therapeutic modality is explored, as well as the use and indications of several bronchoscopic techniques, such as topical hemostatic agents, endobronchial tamponade, and tranexamic acid (TXA). In addition, we assess the use of multi-row detector computed tomography as the initial rapid diagnostic method of choice and its use in planning for definitive treatment. The efficacy and long-term results of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) are evaluated, as well as indications for surgical intervention. Furthermore, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized. The necessary interplay between intensivists, consultative services, and radiologists is described in detail and an algorithmic management strategy incorporating the above is outlined. Given the complexity in management of life-threatening hemoptysis, this paper aims to summarize the available diagnostic and therapeutic methods and provide a standardized approach for the management of patients with this often difficult to treat condition.