Varices of the bronchial veins as a source of hemoptysis in mitral stenosis

Abstract

1. 1. A method for injecting the bronchial veins is described. 2. 2. This method indicates the presence of direct venous connections between the bronchial and pulmonary veins in men of all ages. 3. 3. Mitral stenosis causes dilatation of the bronchial veins in the submucosa of the larger bronchi as a result of the establishment of a collateral flow through them. 4. 4. In cases of mitral stenosis in which infarction and acute pulmonary edema are not present, hemoptysis is probably due to bleeding from these dilated veins. 5. 5. Age, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis do not affect the bronchial venous bed, but some dilatation occurs in chronic congestive heart failure of long standing, although the only lesion of the mitral valve may be dilatation of the valve ring.