Learning objectives
1.
Definition of hemoptysis.
2.
Different causes of hemoptysis review.
3.
Computed Tomography (CT) findings of patients who had the first-time hemoptysis.
4.
Description of the CT role in the diagnosis and management of this condition.
Background
Hemoptysis is the exteriorization of red aerated blood from the mouth following a cough originating from below the glottis.
It is usually a self-limiting event but in fewer than 5% of cases it may be massive (> 300 ml/24 h),
representing a life-threatening condition [1].
Massive hemoptysis is one of the most dreaded conditions among all respiratory emergencies [1,
4].
The identification of the site causing active bleeding is essential for the successful treatment of patients with hemoptysis.
The mortality rate increases significantly to about...
Findings and procedure details
The chest CT or CT angiography (CTA) are well known as comprehensive,
non-invasive methods for evaluating hemoptysis,
including detection of the primary causes of hemoptysis,
determining the site of active bleeding,
and planning surgery or bronchial arterial embolism (BAE) [1,
5].
Hemoptysis has multiple causes categorized under parenchymal,
airway,
vascular diseases and coagulopathies.
Usually fiber optic bronchoscopy (FOB) is not modality of choice in cases of hemoptysis less than 300 ml.
in 24 h.
Moreover,
CT evaluation is essential when FOB evaluation is difficult or...
Conclusion
To summarize,
hemoptysis is caused by several varying disease entities.
Paying close attention to disease-specific CT findings combined with the clinical history are important tools leading to the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Chest CT is an important tool to diagnose different varying causes of hemoptysis. CT findings could be essential for correct diagnosis and optimal management of patient with first episode of hemoptysis.
References
1.
Hyun Ju Seon,
Yun-Hyeon Kim and Yong-Soo Kwon.
Localization of bleeding sites in patients with hemoptysis based on their chest computed tomography findings: a retrospective cohort study.
Seon et al.
BMC Pulmonary Medicine (2016) 16:160.
2.
Jeudy J,
Khan AR,
Mohammed TL,
et al.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria hemoptysis.
J Thorac Imaging 2010; 25: W67−69.
3.
Jaitovich A,
Harmath C,
Cuttica M.
Pulmonary vein stenosis and hemoptysis.
Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2012; 185:1023.
4.
Khalil A,
Soussan M,
Mangiapan G,
Fartoukh M,
Parrot...