Introduction: Its a life threatening emergency when patients presenting with massive haemoptysis. In 90% of the cases the major source of bleeding is bronchial circulation. However nonbronchial systemic arteries can also be a source of haemoptysis in a case of recurrence after Bronchial Artery Embolisation . Massive haemoptysis carries a mortality rate of 50% -85% when treated with conservative management. Bronchial artery embolism can be helpful in immediate management of massive and recurrent haemoptysis.
Material and methods: 15 cases of massive haemoptysis presented at Emergency of Medical College , Kolkata was admitted at Medicine ward and subsequently treated with Bronchial Artery Embolisation at Department of Radiodiagnosis, Medical College, Kolakata . Patient selection was done based on those who are fulfilling the criteria of massive haemoptysis(100- 600 ml/24 hour) and willing to undergo the procedure.
Result: Bronchial artery embolisation was well tolerated by the patients. Persistent haemoptysis was successfully controlled in 80% of the patients. However recurrence was seen in 20 % cases who were successfully treated with reembolisation.
Conclusion: Inspite of recurrences bronchial artery embolisation continues to be a first line minimally invasive procedure. Recurrent haemoptysis from acute on chronic inflammatory lung disease and previously embolised patients can also be treated with Bronchial Artery Embolisation.