Bronchial artery embolisation for the management of haemoptysis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate immediate and long-term outcomes of bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) for the treatment of haemoptysis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and to clarify factors that influence recurrence. DESIGN: Of 398 patients with haemoptysis who underwent BAE between January 2004 and June 2009, 169 were retrospectively reviewed. All of the patients had either a history of pulmonary TB or a current diagnosis of TB. Follow-up ranged from 1 day to 66 months. RESULTS: Haemoptysis was stopped or markedly decreased, with subsequent clinical improvement, in 163 patients (96.4%); in 50 patients symptoms recurred during the follow-up period. Disease activity, aortography and mycetoma showed a statistically significant correlation with recurrence rate. Cumulative non-recurrence rates were 76.1% for 12 months and 51.4% for 40 months. The median non-recurrence time was 41.2 months. Disease activity and mycetoma showed a statistically significant correlation with early recurrence. Only one major complication was observed. CONCLUSIONS: BAE is a safe and effective treatment option for the control of haemoptysis in TB patients. Disease activity and mycetoma both correlate with higher recurrence rate and early time of recurrence.