Haemoptysis treated by bronchial artery embolisation in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: case report

Murgo, Salvatore; Lheureux, Olivier; Taccone, Fabio; Vouche, Michael; Golzarian, Jafar

BACKGROUND: We found no data in the literature on the embolization of the bronchial arteries in the context of hemoptysis associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We therefore decided to share this experience. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old patient with no significant medical history was admitted with acute respiratory distress. Chest computed tomography showed diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities with limited consolidations. Diagnostic tests confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. The severity of respiratory failure required the implantation of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The patient developed severe haemoptysis, which was successfully treated by bronchial artery embolisation. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of coronavirus-19 pneumonia, our experience suggests that the treatment of severe haemoptysis by bronchial artery embolisation is feasible and effective. The survival benefit should be assessed in the future.