Effect of computed tomography angiography prior to bronchial embolization on radiation dose and recurrent hemoptysis

Clin Imaging. 2023 Aug:100:48-53. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.04.007. Epub 2023 Apr 21.

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate whether pre-procedure Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) improves radiation exposure, procedure complexity, and symptom recurrence after bronchial embolization for massive hemoptysis.

Material and methods: A single-center retrospective review of bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for massive hemoptysis was performed for procedures between 2008 and 2019. Multi-variate analysis was performed to determine the significance of pre-procedure CTA and etiology of hemoptysis on patient radiation exposure (reference point air kerma, RPAK) and rate of recurrent hemoptysis.

Results: There were 61 patients (mean age 52.5 years; SD = 19.2 years, and 57.3% male) and CTA was obtained for 42.6% (26/61). Number of vessels selected was a mean of 7.2 (SD = 3.4) in those without CTA and 7.4 (SD = 3.4) in those with CTA (p = 0.923). Mean procedure duration was 1.8 h (SD = 1.6 h) in those without CTA and 1.3 h (SD = 1.0 h) in those with CTA (p = 0.466). Mean fluoroscopy time and RPAK per procedure were 34.9 min (SD = 21.5 min) and 1091.7 mGy (SD = 1316.6 mGy) for those without a CTA and 30.7 min (SD = 30.7 min) and 771.5 mGy (SD = 590.0 mGy) for those with a CTA (p = 0.523, and p = 0.879, respectively). Mean total iodine given was 49.2 g (SD = 31.9 g) for those without a CTA and 70.6 g (SD = 24.9 g) for those with a CTA (p = 0.001). Ongoing hemoptysis at last clinical follow up was 13/35 (37.1%) in those without CTA and 9/26 (34.6%) in those with CTA (p = 0.794).

Conclusions: Pre-procedure CTA did not improve radiation effective dose and symptom recurrence after BAE and is associated with significant increases in total iodine dose.

Keywords: Bronchial artery embolization; CT effective dose; Computed tomography angiography; Massive hemoptysis.

MeSH terms

  • Angiography / adverse effects
  • Bronchial Arteries / diagnostic imaging
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Embolization, Therapeutic* / methods
  • Female
  • Hemoptysis* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome