Analysis of patients with hemoptysis in a reference hospital for chest diseases

Chest physicians frequently come across with the symptom hemoptysis, an alerting symptom which may result from a wide variety of disorders. In this study, we aimed to determine the main causes of hemoptysis in a reference hospital for chest diseases. All the patients who admitted to our emergency clinic with hemoptysis during three months of study period were included in the study. The mean age of 143 patients (106 males, 37 females) who were included in this study was 48 +/- 17 years. Medical history, physical examination and chest radiography were performed for each patient. Sputum examination for acid fast bacilli, computed tomography of thorax, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy, echocardiography, ear-nose-throat examination and upper gastrointestinal system endoscopy were the further diagnostic investigations for selected patients. Bronchiectasis was the most common cause of hemoptysis (22.4%), followed by lung cancer (18.9%), active tuberculosis (11.2%), and inactive tuberculosis (10.5%). Sputum smear for acid fast bacilli was performed in 102 patients and were positive in 15.6% of them. Computed tomography of thorax was performed in 102 patients and was pathologic in 81.3% of them. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed in 46 patients and localized the bleeding site in 67.4% of them. In conclusion, the most common causes of hemoptysis were bronchiectasis, lung cancer and tuberculosis in our hospital. Based on this finding, we suggest that, the diagnostic approach to the patients presenting with hemoptysis should include first a detailed medical history, physical examination, and chest radiography; second sputum smear for acid fast bacilli; third computed tomography of thorax and lastly fiberoptic bronchoscopy.     

Role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with hemoptysis and a normal chest roentgenogram

We reviewed the charts of 48 consecutive patients who had fiberoptic bronchoscopy performed in the evaluation of hemoptysis with a normal chest roentgenogram. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy provided a diagnosis other than endobronchial inflammation in only four patients--benign fibromuscular polyp in one patient, Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 1 patient, and carcinoma in two others. A literature review revealed an overall 3 percent incidence of bronchogenic carcinoma in patients with hemoptysis and normal findings on chest roentgenogram. Other than abnormal findings on chest roentgenogram, risk factors for carcinoma in patients with hemoptysis include: (1) age greater than 40; (2) significant smoking history; and (3) duration of hemoptysis for longer than one week. We concluded that in patients with hemoptysis and normal chest x-ray film findings, routine fiberoptic bronchoscopy may not always be indicated to rule out malignancy.     

Cryptogenic hemoptysis. Clinical features, bronchoscopic findings, and natural history in 67 patients

We reviewed the clinical outcome of 67 patients with hemoptysis and a normal or nonlocalizing chest roentgenogram and nondiagnostic fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination. During a 38 +/- 22 (SD) month period after bronchoscopy, 57 (85%) patients remained well without evidence of active tuberculosis or overlooked bronchogenic carcinoma, and 9 patients died of nonpulmonary conditions. One patient developed bronchogenic carcinoma 20 months after bronchoscopy and resolution of symptoms. Hemoptysis had resolved completely before hospital discharge in 38 (57%) patients, within 6 months in 60 (90%), and recurred in only 3. Five patients (7.5%) had intermittent episodes of bleeding for more than 1 year. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy effectively excludes specific underlying causes of hemoptysis in the setting of a normal chest roentgenogram. The prognosis for patients with cryptogenic hemoptysis is generally good, usually with resolution of bleeding within 6 months of evaluation.     

Computed chest tomography in the evaluation of hemoptysis. Impact on diagnosis and treatment

The results of computed chest tomograms (CT) and chest roentgenograms (CR) were compared in 32 patients who presented with hemoptysis. The CT demonstrated roentgenographic abnormalities more often than CR (p less than 0.01), providing new diagnostic information in 15 patients (46.9 percent), and clarifying CR abnormalities in five (15.6 percent) others. In addition, CT correctly localized sources of bleeding in 23 (88.5 percent) of the 26 patients in whom a site was identified at bronchoscopy, while CR localization was correct in 17 (65.4 percent) (p less than 0.05). Despite this augmentation of roentgenographic yield, information derived from CT scans influenced the management of only six patients, did not obviate the need for bronchoscopy, and supplemented the combined diagnostic yield of CR and bronchoscopy in only two. Outcome was changed in one patient in whom CT had demonstrated an otherwise unrecognized malignant solitary pulmonary nodule. The chest roentgenogram and fiberoptic bronchoscopy provided all the information essential for diagnosis and therapeutic recommendations in 93.7 percent of these patients. Although the CT provided additional information in over one half of our patients, its overall impact on clinical management was small and does not support routine use of this imaging procedure in evaluation of hemoptysis. The possible role of chest CT in evaluating carefully selected patients with hemoptysis requires further study.     

HIGH DEFINITION COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS ASSOCIATED PULMONARY DISEASE

Eighteen patients with rheumatoid arthritis (American RheumatismAssociation definition) were selected consecutively from a rheumatologyclinic. All patients were examined with plain chest radiographs,thin slice computed tomography, and pulmonary function tests.Four patients with normal chest radiographs, and normal pulmonaryfunction tests were found to have normal CT scans. In ten patients,abnormalities consistent with rheumatoid associated lung diseasewere demonstrated, including changes of interstitial fibrosisin seven cases. This fibrosis had a predominantly peripheralpattern on CT scan. Computed tomography was found to be moresensitive than plain radiographs in detecting abnormalitieshowever, all the patients in this series with CT lung changeshad abnormalities on pulmonary function testing. KEY WORDS: Computed tomography, Rheumatoid arthritis, Interstitial pulmonary fibrosis     

纤维支气管镜对胸片正常咯血患者的诊断价值

目的 探讨胸部X线检查正常的咯血患的病因。方法 通过纤维支气管镜检查确定142例胸部X线检查正常的咯血患的病因。结果 142例患中,110例（77.46%）患通过纤支镜检查确定病因,其中炎症88例（61.97%）,肺癌16例（11.27%）,支气管内膜结核6例（4.22%）。结论 纤支镜对确定胸片正常的咯血患的病因有重要作用。     

Roentgenographic evaluation of mediastinal nodes for preoperative assessment in lung cancer

Evaluation of mediastinal nodal metastases is a critical step in the assessment of potential surgical candidates with lung cancer. Mediastinal tomography (TOMO) and chest computerized tomography (CT) visualize the mediastinal nodes more clearly than a chest roentgenogram (CXR). A prospective study was undertaken to determine the clinical value of these three tests for mediastinal staging in 102 surgical patients with lung cancer. All patients underwent thoracotomy and mediastinal nodal dissection. The roentgenographic findings were compared with the histologic evaluation of paratracheal, tracheobronchial angle, aortic window, subcarinal, and inferior pulmonary ligament nodes. TOMO, and especially CT, correctly predicted the size and location of mediastinal nodes; however, the overall accuracies were CXR (74 percent), TOMO (74 percent), CT (61 percent). These results demonstrated that the improvement in mediastinal imaging is counteracted by the fact that enlarged nodes need not contain metastases and normal-appearing small nodes may harbor microscopic disease. Computed tomography and TOMO had little clinical impact on the assessment of mediastinal nodes in potential surgical candidates with lung cancer.     

Chronic Cough and Dyspnea in Ice Hockey Players After an Acute Exposure to Combustion Products of a Faulty Ice Resurfacer

The aim of this study was to characterize pulmonary function and radiologic testing in ice hockey players after exposure to combustion products of a faulty ice resurfacer. Our patients were 16 previously healthy hockey players who developed chronic cough and dyspnea after exposure. Symptom questionnaires, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), bronchoprovocation testing, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, high-resolution computed tomography (CT) imaging, and impulse oscillometry (IOS) were all used. A normal group was used for PFTs and IOS controls. Patients had onset of cough within 72 h of exposure. Ninety-two percent complained of dyspnea, 75% chest pain, and 33% hemoptysis. Eight percent were initially hospitalized for their symptoms. Eighty-five percent were treated with systemic steroids and 39% with inhaled bronchodilators. Six months postexposure, 54% complained of cough and 46% complained of dyspnea on exertion. All patients had normal PFTs; 8.3% had a significant bronchodilator response. All had normal exercise tests (mean VO2max = 90 ± 3% predicted) and chest CTs. With IOS, 80% had a significant bronchodilator response (decreased resistance > 12% and SD score > 1; mean change = 21.1 ± 9.9%, mean SD score = 3.1 ± 2.5). No correlation existed between changes in resistance or reactance and spirometric values. Patient symptoms correlated significantly with bronchodilator response on IOS resistance (R = 0.61, p = 0.03). More than 50% of patients exposed to the combustion products of a faulty ice resurfacer remained symptomatic six months after exposure. Despite persistence of symptoms, conventional pulmonary function tests and radiologic evaluation did not reveal airway abnormalities. IOS showed evidence of increased airway resistance and small-airway disease, which correlated with patient symptoms.     

Multiple pulmonary arterial aneurysms in Behçet's disease: clinical and radiologic remission after cyclophosphamide and corticosteroid therapy

Beh?et's disease (BD) with pulmonary arterial aneurysm is rare and often associated with a poor prognosis. But there is also a chance that the aneurysm may completely resolve with medical therapy. A 39-year-old man presented with fever, malaise, bilateral chest pain, recurrent oral ulcers, and hemoptysis. The chest radiograph showed a round opacity in the right hilum. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) further revealed multiple, bilateral pulmonary arterial aneurysms consistent with the diagnosis of BD. The patient was started on a course of cyclophosphamide and corticosteroid therapy that resulted in cessation of his symptoms and complete resolution of radiologic findings. The chest radiograph and MRA reverted to normal on long-term follow-up. He is still alive and symptom-free 20 months after diagnosis.     

Vasculo-Behcet's disease with fatal massive hemoptysis]

A 39-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of hemoptysis. A chest X-ray film on admission showed a patchy shadow in the left lower lung field. Computed tomography revealed nodular opacities in the left pulmonary artery. The patient had history of oral ulcers, erythema nodosum, pustular lesions, and genital ulcers. Furthermore, the needle reaction was positive. Our diagnosis was an incomplete type of Behcet's disease. A radionuclide-venography and lung-perfusion study disclosed deep-vein thrombosis. Combined therapy with prednisolone, colchicine, and indomethacin farnesil was initiated, but the patient died of massive hemoptysis. Pathological examination revealed a ruptured aneurysm in the bronchus segmentalis apacalis and thrombotic angitis in the inferior vena cava. Behcet's disease is rarely a cause of hemoptysis. However, the prevalence of hemoptysis due to pulmonary vasculitis in patients with Behcet's disease has been reported to be 5 to 10% which is not so rare. Because of the poor prognosis, we want to emphasize Behcet's disease as a cause of hemoptysis.     

A prospective analysis of 184 hemoptysis cases: diagnostic impact of chest X-ray, computed tomography, bronchoscopy

BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation of hemoptysis often raises a number of diagnostic possibilities. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the relative frequency of different causes of hemoptysis and the value of chest radiography, computed tomography (CT) scanning and fiber-optic bronchoscopy in the evaluation of a Greek cohort population. METHODS: We prospectively followed a total of 184 consecutive patients (137 males/47 females, 145 smokers/39 nonsmokers) admitted with hemoptysis between January 2001 and December 2003 to the University Hospital of Heraklion. Follow-up data were collected on August 2005. RESULTS: The main causes of hemoptysis were bronchiectasis (26%), chronic bronchitis (23%), acute bronchitis (15%) and lung cancer (13%). Bronchiectasis was significantly more frequent in nonsmokers (p < 0.02). Among nonsmokers, patients with moderate/severe bleeding or a history of tuberculosis were more likely to have bronchiectasis (OR 8.25; 95% CI 1.9-35.9, p = 0.007 and OR 16.5; 95% CI 1.7-159.1, p = 0.007, respectively). Nonsmokers with normal or abnormal X-rays were equally likely to have bronchiectasis (OR 2.5; 95% CI 0.66-9.39, p = 0.2). Lung cancer was only found in smokers. Smokers with normal X-rays were less likely to have lung cancer compared to smokers with abnormal X-ray (OR 5.4; 95% CI 1.54-19.34, p = 0.004). There were no smokers with normal CT and lung cancer. Follow-up data were collected in 91% of patients. Lung cancer did not develop in any patient assumed to have hemoptysis of another origin than lung cancer on initial evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Bronchiectasis is the main diagnosis in patients admitted with hemoptysis to a Greek University Hospital and it is more frequent among nonsmokers with moderate/severe bleeding and/or previous tuberculosis infection. Nonsmokers with moderate/severe hemoptysis and/or a history of tuberculosis should be evaluated with high-resolution CT. Smokers with hemoptysis are at increased risk for lung cancer and need to be extensively evaluated with chest CT and bronchoscopy.     

Pseudoaneurysm and aortobronchial fistula after aortic coarctation repair by patch aortoplasty

Pseudoaneurysm and aortobronchial fistula are very rare complications of aortic coarctation repair by means of patch aortoplasty, and are usually fatal if not treated surgically. A 26-year-old man with recent-onset massive hemoptysis had undergone aortic coarctation repair by means of Dacron patch aortoplasty at the age of 10 in our hospital. Computed tomography of the chest showed a descending aortic pseudoaneurysm. Left heart bypass was used for distal perfusion while the patient underwent graft interposition. Lung parenchyma around the fistula was repaired, and the patient was discharged after an uneventful postoperative course. When hemoptysis occurs in a patient with a history of thoracic aortic surgery, aortobronchial fistula should be suspected. Close follow-up is mandatory for patients who have undergone coarctation repair.     

Broncholithiasis: six cases

Broncholithiasis is an exceptional condition characterized by the presence of stony formations in the bronchial lumen. We report six cases. Mean age was 41 years. Revealing signs were hemoptysis (n=5), cough (n=5), fever (n=1) and recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (n=1). Physical examination found sonorous rales in two patients and was normal in four. The chest x-ray showed a parenchymal opacity suggestive of calcification in one patient, atelectasia in two, and alveolar images in three. Bronchial endoscopy demonstrated broncholithiasis in one patient, an endobronchial blood clot in one patient with abundant hemoptysis, an endoluminal bud simulating a tumor in two, an inflammatory aspect in one, and was normal in one. Thoracic computed tomography demonstrated broncholithiasis in three patients. Treatment consisted in lobectomy in five patients. The pathology specimen confirmed broncholithiasis in all five and in one revealed caseofollicular lesions of the hillar nodes. Anti-tuberculosis treatment was prescribed for this patient. Therapeutic abstention with regular surveillance was chosen for one patient with an uncomplicated broncholithiasis. Broncholithiasis is an exceptional condition with potentially serious consequences. Certain diagnosis is based on high-resolution computed tomography and endoscopic findings but can nevertheless be a surgical discovery.     

Left ventricular pseudoaneurysm with infective pericarditis: a rare cause of intractable hemoptysis

A 52-year-old man with diabetes presented with recurrent, massive hemoptysis following pericardiectomy for pyopericardium secondary to Streptococcus viridans infection. Chest radiograph and bronchoscopic examinations revealed no bronchial cause. Computed tomography of the chest and echocardiography showed a pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle. Surgical exploration confirmed that the pseudoaneurysm communicated with the left lung parenchyma and was the cause of recurrent intractable hemoptysis.     

A presentation of massive hemoptysis in a patient with Churg-Strauss syndrome

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis. When involving the lungs, small-vessel vasculitides typically cause capillaritis, leading to diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and submassive hemoptysis. In contrast, massive hemoptysis primarily originates from the bronchial arteries; therefore, small-vessel vasculitis is not considered when a patient presents with massive hemoptysis. The authors describe a patient with CSS who presented with the novel finding of massive hemoptysis. Computed tomography scans lacked alveolar infiltrates and bronchoalveolar lavage lacked hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Bronchoscopy demonstrated a raised mucosal lesion in the right mainstem bronchus and computed tomography angiogram revealed aberrant dilated bronchial arteries underlying the same region, suggesting this as the source of the hemoptysis. To the authors’ knowledge, the present report describes the first reported case of CSS to present with massive hemoptysis with likely involvement of the bronchial arterial circulation. CSS should be considered in patients with unexplained massive hemoptysis.     

Ultrasound-guided tissue-core biopsy of thoracic lesions with Trucut and Surecut needles

The value of ultrasound-guided tissue-core needle biopsy was assessed in 54 patients with thoracic lesions adjacent to the chest wall. Of these, six were apical and two mediastinal. Biopsy was performed with Trucut or Surecut (modified Menghini) needles in 22 patients, and with both in 32 patients in order to compare the two types of needle. Definitive diagnosis was made in 46 patients (85 percent), of whom 41 had malignancy of various cell types, and five had benign lesions. Of the remaining eight, three had apical lesions, and two had consolidation distal to a proximal tumor. There was complete histologic agreement in 25 of 32 patients where biopsy was performed with both needles. Roentgenographic size of the lesion had relatively little influence on the diagnostic yield. Complications comprise moderate hemoptysis in one patient (2 percent), trivial hemoptysis or hemothorax in three, and symptomless pneumothorax in two which resolved spontaneously. We conclude that tissue core needle biopsy of thoracic lesions under ultrasound guidance is an accurate and safe technique which provides specimens adequate for routine histologic examination. The diagnostic yield from Trucut and Surecut biopsies is comparable.     

Tracheopathia Osteoplastica Misdiagnosed as Asthma

Tracheopathia osteoplastica (TPO) is a rare disorder characterized by cartilaginous or bony mucosal nodules in the tracheobronchial tree. Due to most patients being asymptomatic, the majority are diagnosed post-mortem. If symptoms are present, they typically include chronic cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, hoarseness, and wheezing, with some of these symptoms overlapping with asthma. This case report describes an adult female with chronic cough who was diagnosed with asthma that was refractory to therapy for 8 years. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed several soft tissue masses in the trachea with bronchoscopy revealing TPO in the upper portion of the trachea. She was diagnosed with TPO and started on airway clearance and a nasal corticosteroid spray with resolution of the cough at follow-up 3 months later.     

Tracheopathia Osteoplastica Misdiagnosed as Asthma

Tracheopathia osteoplastica (TPO) is a rare disorder characterized by cartilaginous or bony mucosal nodules in the tracheobronchial tree. Due to most patients being asymptomatic, the majority are diagnosed post-mortem. If symptoms are present, they typically include chronic cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, hoarseness, and wheezing, with some of these symptoms overlapping with asthma. This case report describes an adult female with chronic cough who was diagnosed with asthma that was refractory to therapy for 8 years. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed several soft tissue masses in the trachea with bronchoscopy revealing TPO in the upper portion of the trachea. She was diagnosed with TPO and started on airway clearance and a nasal corticosteroid spray with resolution of the cough at follow-up 3 months later.     

Pulmonary vasculitis in Beh?et's disease.

Clinical findings of 12 patients with Beh?et's disease and lung involvement are presented. Male to female ratio was 11/1, mean age was 35.3 +/- 8.8 yr. All patients had at least four other organ manifestations of vasculitis, either in their history or during the period of lung involvement. The main complaint was hemoptysis of varying degree in 11 of the 12 patients. The chest X-ray films showed unilateral hilar enlargements in six patients, diaphragm elevation in four, horizontally or obliquely oriented linear opacities in three, diffuse, ill-defined infiltrates in upper and lower zones in three, wedge-shaped peripheral opacities in one, and bilateral pleural effusion in one patient. Computed tomography of the chest performed in nine patients revealed aneurysms, narrowings, and cutoffs of the main, lobar, segmental, or peripheral branches of the pulmonary artery and irregular configuration of other pulmonary vessels. Perfusion scans demonstrated defects of various sizes in all patients. Pulmonary angiography performed in only two patients showed amputation of branches of the pulmonary artery and aneurysmal dilatations. The patients were treated with a combination therapy consisting of corticosteroid, cyclophosphamide, colchicine, and antiaggregants, with very good results in the short term.     

A prospective evaluation of hemoptysis cases in a tertiary referral hospital

Background and Aims: Hemoptysis is symptomatic of a potentially serious and life‐threatening thoracic disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative frequency of the different causes of hemoptysis, the change of the frequency of diseases, the value of the evaluation process and the outcome in a tertiary referral hospital. Methods: A prospective study was carried out on consecutive patients presented with hemoptysis. Results: A total of 178 patients (136 male, 42 female) were included to the study. Lung cancer (51), pulmonary embolism (23) and bronchiectasis (23) constituted most of the diagnosis. The most frequent cause of hemoptysis in males was by far lung carcinoma (50). Twelve cases of bronchiectasis and 11 cases of pulmonary embolism were observed in females. While lung cancer and pulmonary embolism were associated with mild to moderate amounts of bleeding (84% and 100%, respectively), patients with active tuberculosis and pulmonary vasculitis had severe to massive hemoptysis (50% and 44%, respectively). Transthoracic and other organ biopsies, spiral computed tomography (CT) angiography (X pres/GX model TSX‐002a, Toshiba, Tochigi Ken, Japan) and aortography yielded high diagnostic results in our group (100%, 67%, 59% and 100%, respectively). The most frequent final diagnosis in patients with normal chest radiograph was pulmonary embolism (seven cases). Conclusions: Lung cancer, pulmonary embolism and bronchiectasis were the main causes of hemoptysis in this prospective cohort; however, this is the first report showing pulmonary embolism as a leading cause of hemoptysis. CT angiography with high‐resolution CT should be the primary diagnostic modality if the initial investigation is inconclusive in hemoptysis cases. Please cite this paper as: Uzun O, Atasoy Y, Findik S, Atici AG and Erkan L. A prospective evaluation of hemoptysis cases in a tertiary referral hospital. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2010; 4: 131–138.