Risk factors for the recurrence in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with massive hemoptysis

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the outcomes of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for the treatment of massive hemoptysis in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and identify risk factors that influence recurrence. Methods A total of 81 patients with massive hemoptysis who underwent BAE between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. All of the patients had either a history of pulmonary tuberculosis or a current diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Follow‐up ranged from 18 to 66 months. Results Hemoptysis was stopped or markedly decreased, with subsequent clinical improvement in 73 patients, while 11 patients experienced recurrence during the follow‐up period. Systemic‐pulmonary shunts and clinical failure showed a statistically significant correlation with the recurrence rate. The cumulative non‐recurrence rate was 95.3% for 3 months and 81.9% for more than 24 months. Complications were common (12.5%), but self‐limiting. Conclusions BAE is a safe and effective treatment option for the control of massive hemoptysis in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Systemic‐pulmonary shunts and clinical failure are the risk factors for recurrence.