Treatment of Acute Hemoptysis by Bronchial Artery Embolization with the Liquid Embolic Agent Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer

Abstract

PurposeTo determine the technical and clinical success of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) with the liquid embolic agent ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer in patients with acute hemoptysis. Materials and MethodsThirty-four patients (25 male; mean age, 58 y; range, 13–78 y) who underwent BAE with EVOH were retrospectively reviewed. Reasons for acute hemoptysis included lung cancer (44%), pulmonary metastases (12%), bronchiectasis (21%), arteriovenous malformation (5%), tuberculosis (6%), aspergilloma (3%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (3%), anticoagulant overdose (3%), and scar tissue (3%). Technical and clinical success of BAE were retrospectively assessed. ResultsEmbolization was technically successful in 94% of patients. Additional embolization material was needed in 4 patients (12%). The immediate clinical success rate was 94% (32 of 34); in 2 patients (6%), hemoptysis recurred immediately after the intervention or could not be stopped. Periinterventional minor complications included headache (n = 1), fever (n = 1), and acute renal failure (n = 1). During follow-up (mean, 8.8 mo), 5 patients had a recurrence of hemoptysis (15%). ConclusionsThe use of EVOH copolymer for BAE in patients with acute hemoptysis is technically successful and safe and has a good clinical outcome with a low number of recurrences.