A Rare Case of Fatal Hemoptysis

Abstract

External beam radiotherapy, alone or in combination with brachytherapy, is frequently used in higher doses with curative intent for the treatment of unresectable stage III lung cancer. Although median survival after curative intent still remains suboptimal, there are patients who do attain cure and are left with the increased risk of radiation-induced airway stenosis. We report a case of radiation induced bronchial stenosis that developed 3 years after curative intent high dose radiation treatment, which was managed with repeated dilation and eventual placement of a self-expandable covered metallic stent. Twenty-four days after the stent placement, the patient experienced a massive fatal hemoptysis. Our extensive review of the literature identifies 2 other similiar cases that, in combination with our report, draw concern over the safety of stenting previously irradiated airways.