[Hemoptysis]

Rev Prat. 2003 May 1;53(9):975-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Hemoptysis is a common respiratory symptom that always requires investigation. Its severity varies from bloodstained sputum to life-threatening hemoptysis. Blood originates most often from bronchial circulation. The most common causes of hemoptysis are tuberculosis, lung carcinoma, bronchiectasis but idiopathic forms are frequent. The diagnostic investigation is based mainly on history, chest radiograph, fibroscopy and CT scan of the thorax. The goal is to determine the cause as well as the site of bleeding. The management of life-threatening hemoptysis is mainly based on either surgical approach or bronchial artery embolization. The majority of centers favor this latter approach.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bronchial Arteries
  • Bronchiectasis / complications
  • Bronchoscopy
  • Embolization, Therapeutic
  • Hemoptysis* / diagnosis
  • Hemoptysis* / etiology
  • Hemoptysis* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / complications