Multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolation is an independent risk factor for recurrent hemoptysis after bronchial artery embolization in patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is a lack of research on multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-PA) isolation in bronchiectasis-related hemoptysis. The aim of this study to analyze the risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis following bronchial artery embolization (BAE) and compare the recurrent hemoptysis-free rates between MDR-PA, non-MDR-PA, and non-PA isolation. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of patients diagnosed with idiopathic bronchiectasis-related recurrent hemoptysis who underwent BAE at an university-affiliated hospital. Patients were categorized based on PA susceptibility tests into non-PA, non-MDR-PA, and MDR-PA groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression were conducted to identify independent risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis. The Kaplan-Meier curves was conducted to compare recurrent hemoptysis-free rates after BAE for non-PA, non-MDR-PA, and MDR-PA. RESULTS: A total of 432 patients were included. 181 (41.90%) patients experienced recurrent hemoptysis during a median follow-up period of 25 months. MDR-PA isolation (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.120; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.249, 3.597], p = 0.005) was identified as an independent risk factor for recurrent hemoptysis. Antibiotic treatment (aHR 0.666; 95% CI [0.476, 0.932], p = 0.018) reduced the risk of recurrent hemoptysis. The cumulative recurrent hemoptysis-free rates for non-PA, non-MDR-PA, and MDR-PA were as follows: at 3 months, 88.96%, 88.24%, and 75.86%, respectively; at 1 year, 73.13%, 69.10%, and 51.72%; and at 3 years, 61.91%, 51.69%, and 41.10% (p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: MDR-PA isolation was an independent risk factor of recurrent hemoptysis post-BAE. Reducing the occurrence of MDR-PA may effectively decrease the recurrence rates of hemoptysis.

Bronchial artery embolization using small particles is safe and effective: a single center 12-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) using particles is an established treatment for hemoptysis. The use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a particle size of 300 µm or larger is thought to reduce the risk of non-target embolization but may result in more proximal vessel occlusion than is ideal, resulting in a high rate of early recurrent hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of BAE using PVA particles with a size of less than 300 µm. METHODS: All patients who underwent BAE between 2010 and 2022 at a tertiary center were included. Demographic data, etiology and volume of hemoptysis, technical and clinical success, procedure-related complications, and follow-up information were collected from patients' electronic records. 150-250 µm PVA particles were used to commence embolization in all patients with the subsequent use of larger-sized particles in some individuals. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate recurrence and survival rates. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four patients underwent 189 embolization procedures between 2010 and 2022 and were followed up for a median of 35 months [IQR 19-89]. 150 µm to 250 µm PVA particles were used as the sole embolic agent in 137 cases. Hemoptysis recurred within 30 days in 7%. The median time to repeat intervention was 144 days [IQR 42-441]. Seventeen out of 144 patients had a pulmonary artery branch pseudoaneurysm. The rate of major complications was 1% with no instances of stroke or spinal artery ischemia. Thirty-day mortality was 2% (4/189). CONCLUSION: BAE using 150-250 µm PVA particles is safe and effective with few complications and low rates of early hemoptysis recurrence. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: BAE using small particles is likely to improve outcomes, particularly the rate of early recurrence, in patients with hemoptysis, without an increase in procedural complications. KEY POINTS: BAE is a safe and effective treatment for patients with hemoptysis. Using small PVA particles in BAE has few complications and low rates of early recurrence. Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms should be actively sought in those with hemoptysis undergoing BAE.

Effect of smoking on the diagnostic results and complication rates of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of smoking with the outcomes of percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB). METHODS: In total, 4668 PTNBs for pulmonary lesions were retrospectively identified. The associations of smoking status (never, former, current smokers) and smoking intensity (≤ 20, 21-40, > 40 pack-years) with diagnostic results (malignancy, non-diagnostic pathologies, and false-negative results in non-diagnostic pathologies) and complications (pneumothorax and hemoptysis) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 4668 PTNBs (median age of the patients, 66 years [interquartile range, 58-74]; 2715 men), malignancies, non-diagnostic pathologies, and specific benign pathologies were identified in 3054 (65.4%), 1282 (27.5%), and 332 PTNBs (7.1%), respectively. False-negative results for malignancy occurred in 20.5% (236/1153) of non-diagnostic pathologies with decidable reference standards. Current smoking was associated with malignancy (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.69; p = 0.03) and false-negative results (OR, 2.64; 95% CI: 1.32-5.28; p = 0.006), while heavy smoking (> 40 pack-years) was associated with non-diagnostic pathologies (OR, 1.69; 95% CI: 1.19-2.40; p = 0.003) and false-negative results (OR, 2.12; 95% CI: 1.17-3.92; p = 0.02). Pneumothorax and hemoptysis occurred in 21.8% (1018/4668) and 10.6% (495/4668) of PTNBs, respectively. Heavy smoking was associated with pneumothorax (OR, 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01-1.74; p = 0.04), while heavy smoking (OR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.40-0.99; p = 0.048) and current smoking (OR, 0.64; 95% CI: 0.42-0.96; p = 0.04) were inversely associated with hemoptysis. CONCLUSION: Smoking history was associated with the outcomes of PTNBs. Current and heavy smoking increased false-negative results and changed the complication rates of PTNBs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Smoking status and intensity were independently associated with the outcomes of PTNBs. Non-diagnostic pathologies should be interpreted cautiously in current or heavy smokers. A patient's smoking history should be ascertained before PTNB to predict and manage complications. KEY POINTS: • Smoking status and intensity might independently contribute to the diagnostic results and complications of PTNBs. • Current and heavy smoking (> 40 pack-years) were independently associated with the outcomes of PTNBs. • Operators need to recognize the association between smoking history and the outcomes of PTNBs.

Mounier-Kuhn syndrome in poorly controlled asthma.

INTRODUCTION: Mounier-Kuhn syndrome or tracheobronchomegaly, is a rare condition that consists of abnormal dilation of the trachea and main bronchi due to a pathological arrangement of smooth muscle fibers in this area. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 46-year-old woman with poorly controlled asthma and recurrent infections, who was diagnosed with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome through a computed tomography scan revealing an unusual enlargement of the trachea with associated bronchiectasis. RESULTS: The diagnosis of Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is radiological, involving measurement of the trachea where a diameter >25 mm in men and >21 mm in women is observed. While diagnosis is sometimes incidental, there is an association with respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD, hence clinical suspicion is important in patients with poorly controlled underlying conditions who present with recurrent infections, inadequate secretion management, or even hemoptysis. CONCLUSIONS: Despite its rarity, this syndrome significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Diagnosis and management involve comprehensive evaluations including computed tomography, with a multidisciplinary approach including pulmonologists and radiologists. Exploring its clinical features, associations with other respiratory diseases and treatment options is crucial in managing this rare respiratory condition.

Effectiveness and Safety of Argon Plasma Coagulation in Patients with Haemoptysis Caused by an Endobronchial Malignancy.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with central neoplasms and haemoptysis show low survival rates. Symptom control without recurrence 48 h after bronchoscopic interventions may improve the prognosis of these patients. Bronchoscopic argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a useful technique for endobronchial management of haemoptysis in patients with central malignancies. Nevertheless, limited data are available in the literature on its efficacy and safety and the main predictors of success are still unclear. METHODS: An observational, prospective, single-centre cohort study was carried out to assess the efficacy (i.e., immediate bleeding cessation without recurrence during the following 48 h) of bronchoscopic APC in the treatment of patients with haemoptysis caused by endobronchial malignancies and the main predictors of success. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients with median age 75 years (interquartile range: 65-79) were enrolled. 67 (88.2%) patients had bleeding cessation without recurrence 48 h after bronchoscopic APC. A low rate of non-serious adverse events (5.3%) was recorded and a low (7.6%) recurrence rate of haemoptysis at 3.5 months after the procedure was also shown. No clinical, demographic and endoscopic variables related to a successful procedure at 48 h were found. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that bronchoscopic APC is an effective procedure in the treatment of patients with haemoptysis caused by endobronchial malignancies, regardless of the clinical characteristics of the patients, the endoscopic and histological features of the neoplasm and the severity of the symptom. Furthermore, it shows a low rate of complications and long-term efficacy in bleeding control.

High risk and low incidence diseases: Massive hemoptysis.

BACKGROUND: Massive hemoptysis (MH) is a serious condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of massive hemoptysis, including presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence. DISCUSSION: MH is a rare but deadly condition. It is defined clinically as any bleeding from the tracheobronchial tree that compromises respiratory or circulatory function. The bronchial artery system is the primary source in the majority of cases of MH. The most common cause is tuberculosis worldwide, but bronchiectasis, bronchogenic carcinoma, and mycetoma are more common causes in the U.S. Patients with MH require rapid assessment and management, as decompensation can be rapid. Patients with altered mental status, inability to clear their sections, respiratory distress, or hemodynamic compromise require emergent airway intervention. The imaging modality of choice is computed tomography angiography with pulmonary arterial phase contrast. A reasonable order or sequence of management includes initial stabilization; assessment for the need for airway intervention; reversal of any coagulopathy; advanced imaging; and emergent consultation of pulmonary, cardiothoracic surgery, and interventional radiology. Ongoing resuscitation including blood products may be required in some patients with MH until definitive hemostasis is achieved. CONCLUSIONS: An understanding of MH can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this dangerous disease. Providing a prompt evaluation, obtaining intravenous access, pursuing advanced imaging, providing reversal of coagulopathy, supporting hemodynamics, and appropriate consultation are key interventions in MH.

Embosphere microspheres size for bronchial artery embolization in patients with hemoptysis caused by bronchiectasis: a retrospective comparative analysis of 500-750 versus 700-900 µm microspheres.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial arterial embolization (BAE) has been accepted as an effective treatment for bronchiectasis-related hemoptysis. However, rare clinical trials compare different sizes of specific embolic agents. This study aims to evaluate whether different Embosphere microsphere sizes change the outcome of BAE. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on consecutive patients with bronchiectatic hemoptysis who were scheduled to undergo BAE treatment during a period from January 2018 to December 2022. The patients received BAE using microspheres of different sizes: group A patients were treated with 500-750 µm microspheres, and group B patients were treated with 700-900 µm microspheres. The cost of embolic microspheres (Chinese Yuan, CNY), duration of hospitalization, complications, and hemoptysis-free survival were compared between patients in group A and those in group B. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictors of recurrent hemoptysis. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 30.2 months (range, 20.3-56.5 months). The final analysis included a total of 112 patients (49-77 years of age; 45 men). The patients were divided into two groups: group A (N = 68), which received 500-750 µm Embosphere microspheres, and group B (N = 44), which received 700-900 µm Embosphere microspheres. Except for the cost of embolic microspheres(group A,5314.8 + 1301.5 CNY; group B, 3644.5 + 1192.3 CNY; p = 0.042), there were no statistically significant differences in duration of hospitalization (group A,7.2 + 1.4 days; group B, 8 + 2.4days; p = 0.550), hemoptysis-free survival (group A, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 85.9%, 75.8%, 62.9%; group B, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 88.4%, 81.2%,59.4%;P = 0.060), and complications(group A,26.5%; group B, 38.6%; p = 0.175) between the two groups. No major complications were observed. The multivariate analysis results revealed that the presence of cystic bronchiectasis (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.12-2.83; P = 0.001) and systemic arterial-pulmonary shunts (SPSs) (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.10-2.72; P = 0.028) were independent risk factors for recurrent bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: For the treatment of BAE in patients with bronchiectasis-related hemoptysis, 500-750 µm diameter Embosphere microspheres have a similar efficacy and safety profile compared to 700-900 µm diameter Embosphere microspheres, especially for those without SPSs or cystic bronchiectasis. Furthermore, the utilization of large-sized (700-900 µm) Embosphere microspheres is associated with the reduced cost of an embolic agent.

Bronchial artery embolization versus conservative treatment for hemoptysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is currently an important treatment for hemoptysis. However, there is no consensus in the efficacy and safety of BAE compared to conservative treatment for hemoptysis, which limits the widespread use of BAE in hemoptysis. The objective was to assess the clinical benefit of BAE versus conservative treatment in patients with hemoptysis. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on the PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, CochraneLibrary, and ClinicalTrials up to March 2023. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies reporting rates of recurrent hemoptysis, clinical success, mortality, and complication by BAE and conservative treatment alone for hemoptysis were included. Data were pooled and compared by the use of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Twelve studies (three RCTs, nine cohorts) involving 1231 patients met the eligibility criteria. Patients treated with BAE had lower recurrence rates of hemoptysis (26.5% vs. 34.6%; OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.14-0.98), higher clinical success rates (92.2% vs. 80.9%; OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.66-4.61), and lower hemoptysis-related mortality (0.8% vs. 3.2%; OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05-0.84) compared with conservative treatment alone. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the two groups. In terms of security, the incidence of major complications and minor complications in patients undergoing BAE treatment was 0.2% (1/422) and 15.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: BAE was more effective than conservative treatment alone in controlling hemoptysis, reducing recurrence, and decreasing hemoptysis-related mortality, with an almost negligible risk of major complications.

The efficacy and safety of combined therapy with endobronchial tamponade and bronchial artery embolization for massive hemoptysis.

BACKGROUND: Massive hemoptysis is characterized by its life-threatening nature, potentially leading to airway obstruction and asphyxia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of combining endobronchial tamponade with bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in the treatment of massive hemoptysis. METHODS: Between March 2018 and March 2022, a total of 67 patients with massive hemoptysis who underwent BAE were divided into two groups: the combination group (n = 26) and the BAE group (n = 41). Technical and clinical success rates were assessed, and adverse events were monitored following the treatment. Blood gas analysis and coagulation function indicators were collected before and after the treatment, and recurrence and survival rates were recorded during the follow-up period. RESULTS: All patients achieved technical success. There were no significant differences in the clinical success rate, recurrence rates at 3 and 6 months, and mortality rates at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year between the combination group and the BAE group. However, the hemoptysis recurrence rate at 1 year was significantly lower in the combination group compared to the BAE group (15.4% vs. 39.0%, P = 0.039). No serious adverse events were reported in either group. After treatment, the combination group showed higher levels of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2), fibrinogen (FIB), and D-dimer (D-D) compared to the BAE group (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between combined therapy and hemoptysis-free survival. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy, compared to embolization alone, exhibits superior efficacy in improving respiratory function, correcting hypoxia, stopping bleeding, and preventing recurrence. It is considered an effective and safe treatment for massive hemoptysis.

Prognostic analysis of destroyed-lung patients with preoperative massive hemoptysis: a 20-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the main treatment option for destroyed-lung (DL) patients with life-threatening massive hemoptysis. However, short-term and long-term surgical safety and efficacy are unclear, prompting this study. METHODS: Data from 124 DL patients undergoing surgery between November 2001 and January 2022 at Beijing Chest Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Data of the DL group (82 cases) and DL + massive hemoptysis group (42 cases) were compared with regard to clinical characteristics, long-term postoperative residual lung reinfection. RESULTS: As compared with DL group rates, The DL + massive hemoptysis group had greater incidence rates of postoperative complications, invasive postoperative respiratory support, long-term postoperative residual lung reinfection, and postoperative tuberculosis recurrence. Revealed risk factors for postoperative complications (Extent of lung lesion resection), postoperative invasive respiratory therapy (preoperative Hb < 9 g/L, severe intraoperative hemoptysis), and postoperative long-term residual lung reinfection (DL with massive hemoptysis). CONCLUSIONS: DL patients with massive hemoptysis had greater rate of invasive respiratory support therapy and postoperative complications. Extensive lesion removal, preoperative anaemia, severe intraoperative bleeding associated with recent postoperative complications for the patient.

Clinical and radiological features associated with rupture of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hemoptysis resulting from rupture of the pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm (PAP) is massive and fatal, while factor contributing to the rupture of pseudoaneurysm remains elusive. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical and radiological features of PAP and identify the risk factors associated with rupture. METHODS: Patients who developed hemoptysis with PAP were collected from January 2019 to December 2022 retrospectively. Clinical data of the demographic characteristics, radiological findings, treatment strategies, and prognosis were collected. A comparative analysis was performed on the characteristics in the ruptured and non-ruptured cases. RESULTS: A total of 58 PAPs were identified in the 50 patients. The most common causes were infection (86%) and cancer (8%). The PAPs were located predominantly in the upper lobes of both lungs, and 57 (99.3%) were distributed in the segmental or subsegmental pulmonary arteries. The median diameter was 6.1(4.3-8.7) mm. A total of 29 PAPs were identified adjacent to pulmonary cavitations, with the median diameter of the cavity being 18.9 (12.4-34.8) mm. Rupture of pseudoaneurysm occurred in 21 cases (42%). Compared to unruptured group, the ruptured group had a significantly higher proportion of massive hemoptysis (57.1% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001), larger pseudoaneurysm diameter (8.1 ± 3.2 mm vs. 6.0 ± 2.3 mm, p = 0.012), higher incidence of pulmonary cavitation (76.2% vs. 44.8%, p = 0.027), and larger cavitation diameters (32.9 ± 18.8 mm vs. 15.7 ± 8.4 mm, p = 0.005). The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) in the ruptured group was also significantly higher than that in the unruptured group [23.9 ± 7.4 mmHg vs. 19.2 ± 5.0 mmHg, p = 0.011]. Endovascular treatment was successfully performed in all 21 patients with ruptured PAP, of which the clinical success rate was 96.0%. Five patients experienced recurrent hemoptysis within one year. CONCLUSIONS: Massive hemoptysis, pseudoaneurysm diameter, pulmonary cavitation, and elevated mPAP were the risk factors for rupture of pseudoaneurysm. Our findings facilitate early identification and timely intervention of PAP at high risk of rupture.

Endovascular embolization of a congenital inferior phrenic artery-to-pulmonary arteriovenous malformation: a rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) is abnormal arteriovenous shunts between pulmonary artery (PA) and pulmonary vein, and rarely has congenital direct communications with systemic arteries. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old male presented to our hospital with intermittent bloody sputum with no evidence of pulmonary infection, trauma or surgery. Chest computed tomography angiography (CTA) indicated the congenital inferior phrenic artery (IPA)-to-PAVM surrounded by diffuse alveolar hemorrhage located in the lower lobe of right lung. Both the afferent PA and IPA were successfully embolized with coils. Recurrent hemoptysis did not occur during one-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The congenital communication between IPA and PAVM is rare, and the abnormal direct shunt would induce hemodynamically unstable condition within PAVM. Endovascular embolization of the afferent PA and IPA is a safe and effective method for this abnormal congenital shunt in lung.

Clinical Approach to Massive Hemoptysis: Perioperative Focus on Causes and Management.

Massive hemoptysis is a time critical airway emergency in the perioperative setting, with an associated mortality exceeding 50%. Causes of hemoptysis in the perioperative setting include procedural complication, coagulopathy, malignancy, chronic lung disease, infection, left-sided cardiac disease, pulmonary vascular disease and autoimmune disease. A rapid and coordinated multidisciplinary response is required to secure the airway, isolate the lung, ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation, identify the underlying cause and initiate specific systemic, bronchoscopic, endovascular, or surgical treatment. This review examines the etiology, pathophysiology, as well as approach to management and interventions in perioperative massive hemoptysis.

Pediatric hemoptysis: diagnostic and interventional challenges.

Hemoptysis in the pediatric population, while infrequent, poses significant challenges for both the family and healthcare practitioners. The severity of hemoptysis dictates management decisions. Most cases being mild and self-limiting are treated conservatively. However, "life-threatening hemoptysis" may occur, and is defined as any degree of blood loss that endangers the airway and is arbitrarily considered to be > 8 ml/kg in 24 h in children. It requires prompt airway management and resuscitation followed by a tailored approach consisting of bronchoscopy, computed tomography (CT), interventional radiology, and/or surgery depending on the patient 's clinical status and cardiopulmonary comorbidities. Bronchial arteries are hypertrophied in myriad conditions and account for 90-95% cases of hemoptysis due to their systemic pressure levels; the rest being contributed by pulmonary artery pathologies. Despite similar pathogenic mechanisms, the etiologies of pediatric hemoptysis differ from those in adults, with acute lower respiratory tract infections being the predominant cause. Imaging plays a crucial role in identifying the source and cause of hemorrhage. Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has emerged as a prime modality in the diagnostic evaluation of hemoptysis and provides a roadmap for potential interventional procedures. This article discusses the etiopathogenesis of hemoptysis along with a brief mention of the diagnostic modalities. It provides a structured reporting format and uses it to illustrate the imaging features in hemoptysis, with emphasis on CT angiography. The key findings in the lung parenchyma, airways, bronchial and non-bronchial systemic collaterals, and pulmonary arteries are elaborated upon. It further addresses the nuances of interventional management, particularly emphasizing the applications of bronchial artery embolization and pulmonary artery embolization in the pediatric population. The article also underscores the potential complications and factors influencing recurrence rates.

Phenotype and Clinicoradiological Differences in Multifocal and Focal Bronchiectasis.

Introduction: Bronchiectasis is a chronic progressive respiratory disease characterized by permanent dilatation of the bronchi. It is a complex condition with numerous different etiologies, co-morbidities, and a heterogeneous presentation. As we know, there is a lack of studies that describe the differences and compare the characteristics between focal and multifocal bronchiectasis. The aim of this study is to identify differences in clinical characteristics presentation, severity or distribution in focal and multifocal bronchiectasis, and prognostic implications. Methods: 126 patients with computed tomography (CT)-verified bronchiectasis were enrolled. Baseline characteristics that included age, sex, smoking history, and respiratory symptoms were recorded, with special attention paid to hemoptysis appearance, body mass index, and comorbidities. The type of bronchiectasis determined by CT scan and the modified Reiff scores indicating radiological severity were recorded. Patients were divided in two groups (I is focal and II is multifocal). Results: There were no statistically significant differences in age, smoking status, comorbidity, and BMI between the two groups. Multifocality was associated with a significantly higher proportion of females (p = 0.014), the rate of hemoptysis (p = 0.023), and the number of hospitalizations, but not of exacerbations and prevalence of immunodeficiency (p = 0.049). Significantly, a high number of subjects with multifocality had bronchiectasis of moderate severity, and post-infective and asthma-associated phenotypes were the dominant in this group. Unexpectedly, the cystic and varicose radiological phenotype (which need more time to develop) were more dominant in the focal group. The cylindrical phenotype was equally observed in the multifocal and focal groups. Conclusions: Our study suggests that multifocality is not related to age, number of exacerbations, or radiological phenotype, but it seems to be associated with the clinical post-infective phenotype, immunodeficiency, frequent hospitalizations, and severity. Thus, the presence of multifocal bronchiectasis may act as a biomarker of severity and poor outcomes in these patients.

[Cervicothoracotomy for right upper sleeve lobectomy with carinal resection in the treatment of central lung cancer]. / Kombinirovannyi tserviko-torakotomnyi dostup dlya vypolneniya verkhnei lobektomii sprava s rezektsiei bifurkatsii trakhei pri tsentral'nom rake legkogo.

We demonstrated successful treatment of patients with complicated central lung cancer, who underwent right upper sleeve lobectomy with carinal resection. We have used the following options for carinal reconstruction: anastomosis of trachea with the left main bronchus and anastomosis of intermediate bronchus with the left main bronchus (clinical case No. 1) or with trachea (clinical case No. 2). Cervicothoracotomy provided correct N-staging and mobilization of trachea with left main bronchus. This approach provided compliance with oncological principles of surgical treatment of lung cancer and significantly reduced tension of anastomosis. These aspects are important for satisfactory immediate functional and oncological results after right upper sleeve lobectomy with carinal resection.

Successful hemostatic radiotherapy for massive airway bleeding from infectious pulmonary cavity: a case report.

We present a patient with life-threatening airway bleeding from an infectious pulmonary cavity with limited treatment options. Bronchial artery embolization was unsuccessful. Surgery was not feasible due to compromised lung function. Lung transplant was considered but not endorsed. Palliative hemostatic radiotherapy with 20 Gy in 5 fractions was delivered to the site of bleeding as a last resort. Hemoptysis gradually disappeared within a month and did not recur during the 4­month follow-up. There were no side effects. We highlight the potential of radiotherapy for massive hemoptysis of infectious etiology, especially in cases with exhausted standard treatment options.

Does the presence of systemic artery-pulmonary circulation shunt during bronchial arterial embolization increase the recurrence of noncancer-related hemoptysis? A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of systemic artery-pulmonary circulation shunt (SPS) during the bronchial arterial embolization (BAE) procedure, has been inferred to be a potential risk factor for recurrence. The aim of this study is to reveal the impact of SPS on the recurrence of noncancer-related hemoptysis after BAE. METHODS: In this study, 134 patients with SPS (SPS-present group) and 192 patients without SPS (SPS-absent group) who underwent BAE for noncancer-related hemoptysis from January 2015 to December 2020 were compared. Four different Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to clarify the impact of SPSs on hemoptysis recurrence after BAE. RESULTS: During the median follow-up time of 39.8 months, recurrence occurred in 75 (23.0%) patients, including 51 (38.1%) in the SPS-present group and 24 (12.5%) in the SPS-absent group. The 1-month, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 5-year hemoptysis-free survival rates in the SPS-present and SPS-absent groups were 91.8%, 79.7%, 70.6%, 62.3%, and 52.6% and 97.9%, 94.7%, 89.0%, 87.1%, and 82.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratios of SPSs in the four models were 3.37 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 2.07-5.47, P < 0.001 in model 1], 1.96 (95% CI, 1.11-3.49, P = 0.021 in model 2), 2.29 (95% CI, 1.34-3.92, P = 0.002 in model 3), and 2.39 (95% CI, 1.44-3.97, P = 0.001 in model 4). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of SPS during BAE increases the recurrence probability of noncancer-related hemoptysis after BAE.

Prevalence of non-bronchial systemic culprit arteries in patients with hemoptysis with bronchiectasis and chronic pulmonary infection who underwent de novo bronchial artery embolization.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the prevalence of non-bronchial systemic culprit arteries and their relationship to bleeding lobes in patients with hemoptysis with bronchiectasis and chronic pulmonary infection who underwent de novo bronchial artery embolization (BAE). METHODS: Data of 83 consecutive patients with bronchiectasis and chronic pulmonary infection (non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis, aspergillosis, and tuberculosis) who underwent de novo BAE between January 2019 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The prevalence of culprit arteries was investigated. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (66%) had 172 non-bronchial systemic culprit arteries. The bleeding lobes were the right upper, right middle, right lower, left upper, and left lower lobes in 14 (17%), 20 (24%), 7 (8%), 31 (37%), and 11 (13%) patients, respectively. The internal thoracic (49%; n = 41), intercostal (28%; n = 23), and inferior phrenic (28%; n = 23) arteries were the top three non-bronchial systemic culprit arteries, which were involved in all five types of bleeding lobes. The costocervical trunk and thoracoacromial and lateral thoracic arteries were predominant in patients with upper lobe bleeding. Ligament arteries were predominant in patients with left lower lobe bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: These findings will better ensure the identification of non-bronchial systemic culprit arteries in patients with hemoptysis with bronchiectasis and chronic pulmonary infection. All systemic arteries, especially those which are adjacent to the lung lesions, should be evaluated carefully using MDCT; the internal thoracic, intercostal, and inferior phrenic arteries should be proactively assessed using angiography. KEY POINTS: • Non-bronchial systemic culprit arteries were identified in 66% of patients with hemoptysis with bronchiectasis and chronic pulmonary infection who underwent de novo bronchial artery embolization. • The internal thoracic (49%), intercostal (28%), and inferior phrenic (28%) arteries were the top three arteries, which were involved in all five types of bleeding lobes. • The costocervical trunk and thoracoacromial and lateral thoracic arteries were prominent in patients with upper lobe bleeding, and the ligament artery was prominent in patients with left lower lobe bleeding.

Early versus delayed bronchial artery embolization for non-massive hemoptysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare clinical outcomes of early versus delayed bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for non-massive hemoptysis and to investigate predictors of recurrent hemoptysis. METHODS: From March 2018 to February 2021, 138 consecutive patients (age, 65.5 ± 12.4 years; male, 67.4%) with non-massive hemoptysis underwent BAE. The enrolled patients were divided into an early embolization (EE) group (within the first 24 h, n = 79) and a delayed embolization (DE) group (n = 59). RESULTS: The time to embolization ranged between 0 and 15 days and was shorter in the EE group (0.47 ± 0.5 days) than in the DE group (4.02 ± 2.8 days, p < 0.001). The in-hospital clinical outcomes were not different between the two groups, except for hospital stay and post-embolization hospital stay. The recurrence-free survival in the EE group was significantly better than that in the DE group (p = 0.018). The time to embolization (hazard ratio (HR), 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.42; p = 0.015) and aspergilloma (HR, 6.89; 95% CI, 2.08-22.86; p = 0.002) were predictive factors for recurrent hemoptysis. CONCLUSIONS: BAE is an effective and safe treatment modality for non-massive hemoptysis. An early interventional strategy should be considered in patients presenting with non-massive hemoptysis to reduce the length of hospital stay and early recurrence. A delayed time to embolization and the presence of aspergilloma were independent risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis. KEY POINTS: • Bronchial artery embolization afforded good clinical improvement for treating non-massive hemoptysis without significant complications. • An early interventional strategy should be considered in patients presenting with non-massive hemoptysis to reduce the length of hospital stay and early recurrence. • A delayed time to embolization and the presence of aspergilloma were independent risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis.