Bronchial artery embolization in the management of massive hemoptysis - aberrant bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries

This exhibit aims to describe normal and aberrant anatomy of the bronchial arteries and non-bronchial systemic arteries. It would also discuss about the causes of recurrent hemoptysis and methods to avoid the recurrence. Massive hemoptysis is one of the respiratory emergencies which can have high mortality. Bronchial artery embolization (BAE) is a safe procedure proved to be effective in the management of massive hemoptysis. However, recurrence rate is reported up to 33% and one of the causes for this is aberrant bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arterial supply. It is critical to know the anatomy of the blood vessels involved in hemoptysis including the variant anatomy and non-bronchial systemic arterial supply. Bronchial artery embolization would be discussed under the following divisions: -Indications-Contraindications Technique of BAE-Anatomy of arteries:Normal bronchial arteriesAberrant bronchial arteriesNon-bronchial systemic arteries-Embolizing agents-Complications-Recurrent hemoptysis -- causes and management-Role of multidetector CT angiography This exhibit has discussed about the technique of BAE with special emphasis on causes of recurrence like aberrant bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries. Interventional radiologists need to be well versed with the anatomy of aberrant bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries to reduce/avoid the recurrence of hemoptysis.