Haemoptysis treated by bronchial artery embolisation in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: case report

Salvatore Murgo,Olivier Lheureux,Jafar Golzarian,Fabio Taccone,Michael Vouche

doi:10.1186/s42155-020-00154-x

Abstract

BackgroundWe found no data in the literature on the embolization of the bronchial arteries in the context of hemoptysis associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We therefore decided to share this experience.Case presentationA 62-year-old patient with no significant medical history was admitted with acute respiratory distress. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities with limited consolidations. Diagnostic tests confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The severity of respiratory failure required the implantation of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The patient developed severe haemoptysis, which was successfully treated by bronchial artery embolisation.ConclusionsIn the case of coronavirus-19 pneumonia, our experience suggests that the treatment of severe haemoptysis by bronchial artery embolisation is feasible and effective. The survival benefit should be assessed in the future.

Highlights

At the end of December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Hubei Province, China, leading to the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Zhu et al 2020)
In the case of coronavirus-19 pneumonia, our experience suggests that the treatment of severe haemoptysis by bronchial artery embolisation is feasible and effective
Pulmonary bleeding seems to be an atypical manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as COVID-19

Summary

Introduction

At the end of December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in Hubei Province, China, leading to the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Zhu et al 2020). Conclusions: In the case of coronavirus-19 pneumonia, our experience suggests that the treatment of severe haemoptysis by bronchial artery embolisation is feasible and effective. Faced with a case of severe haemoptysis related to COVID-19 pneumonia, we took an emergency therapeutic decision. Belgium Full list of author information is available at the end of the article medical literature to support our approach.

Results

Conclusion