ABSTRACT
Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening situation that rarely complicates pregnancy.
Presented is a case of massive hemoptysis during pregnancy, which was successfully
diagnosed and treated with bronchial artery angiogram and embolization. A 26-year-old
multigravida at 19 weeks' gestational age with a history of intravenous substance
abuse and infective endocarditis presented with hemoptysis. Extensive workup, including
bronchoscopy, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography, were
negative. The patient left the hospital against medical advice to return 4 weeks later
with massive hemoptysis. Bronchial arteriography revealed multiple areas of potential
bleeding in the right and left lower lobes. Bilateral bronchial artery embolization
was performed. The patient carried the pregnancy to term with no further episodes
of hemoptysis. Hemoptysis during pregnancy requires a thorough workup and prompt treatment
if the etiology is diagnosed. When faced with massive hemoptysis, the obstetrician
should strongly consider bronchial artery angiography and embolization.
Keywords
Pregnancy - hemoptysis - angiography - embolization
