Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Control of Hemoptysis in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Analysis of Prognostic Factors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization(TAE) and the relationshipbetween therapeutic effect and prognostic factors after this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-fivepatients with hemoptysis caused by pulmonary tuberculosis(TB) underwent TAE. We reviewed medical records of thehistory and activity of pulmonary TB, and the extent of treatment, and assessed plain chest PA for the extent oflesions ; we also evaluated the angiographic findings of embolized arteries, and embolic agents. The initialsuccess rate, as shown by immediate response, and recurrence during follow-up, were then observed. Using theChi-square test, differences in these findings were analysed. RESULTS: Immediate control of hemoptysis wasachieved in 46 of 55 patients(84%); 24 of 46(52.2%), experienced recurrence. Initial failure and partial responserates were higher in patients with active pulmonary TB(p<0.05) than in those in whom the condition was inactive.The recurrence rate was higher among those who had had pulmonary TB for between one and ten years (p<0.05). Therewas, however, no significant correlation between therapeutic effect and the extent of anti-TB treatment, theextent of lesions seen on plain chest PA, angiographic findings, embolized arteries, and embolic agents. CONCLUSION: The initial success rate of TAE was 84% and the recurrence rate was as high as 52.2%. Both activityand duration of pulmonary TB were prognostic factors in immediate response and recurrence.