Massive Hemoptysis

Abstract

Massive hemoptysis (MH) is a medical emergency that places the patient at risk of death. MH can be defined as the volume of expectorated blood that is life-threatening mainly by causing airway obstruction and rarely by severe blood loss. By consensus, MH is defined as a rate of bleeding exceeding 600 mL/24 h. Because of the explosive clinical presentation of MH, it is essential to respond quickly and appropriately. Urgent management focuses on the prevention of asphyxia while the source of bleeding is addressed. Decision-making is a multidisciplinary process involving a critical care physician, a pulmonary medicine bronchoscopist, an interventional radiologist, a thoracic surgeon, and an anesthesiologist. Bronchial artery embolization is now the treatment of choice.