Effectiveness of nitroglycerin in managing subacute lung bleeding induced by balloon pulmonary angioplasty

Abstract

Lung bleeding (LB) and hemoptysis is a common but life-threating complication of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. LBs related to BPA mostly occur acutely during BPA session. Therefore, it can usually be managed with occlusion balloon or other catheter-based approaches. While LB also develops subacutely after BPA session, the pharmacological option to subacute LB is currently limited. Here, we present a case of subacute LB which can be managed with intravenous administration of nitroglycerin. Nitrate mediated venous dilation can be an effective therapeutic option in managing LB and hemoptysis after BPA session.