Bronchial artery embolisation for the management of haemoptysis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate immediate and long-term outcomes of bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) for the treatment of haemoptysis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and to clarify factors that influence recurrence.

DESIGN

Of 398 patients with haemoptysis who underwent BAE between January 2004 and June 2009, 169 were retrospectively reviewed. All of the patients had either a history of pulmonary TB or a current diagnosis of TB. Follow-up ranged from 1 day to 66 months.

RESULTS

Haemoptysis was stopped or markedly decreased, with subsequent clinical improvement, in 163 patients (96.4%); in 50 patients symptoms recurred during the follow-up period. Disease activity, aortography and mycetoma showed a statistically significant correlation with recurrence rate. Cumulative non-recurrence rates were 76.1% for 12 months and 51.4% for 40 months. The median non-recurrence time was 41.2 months. Disease activity and mycetoma showed a statistically significant correlation with early recurrence. Only one major complication was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE is a safe and effective treatment option for the control of haemoptysis in TB patients. Disease activity and mycetoma both correlate with higher recurrence rate and early time of recurrence.