Argon Plasma Coagulation for Endobronchial Hemangioma

Abstract

Bronchial hemangiomas are rare vascular lesions of the conducting airways in adults and children. A variety of clinical presentations have been described and include respiratory distress as a result of central airway obstruction, but hemoptysis is unusual. The case described here is that of an elderly man with life-threatening hemoptysis associated with anticoagulation therapy who was ultimately discovered to have a bronchial hemangioma. Historical clinical presentations, histopathology, and treatment options for vascular lesions of the conducting airways are discussed. This patient was effectively treated with a new therapeutic modality available to interventional pulmonologists.

Massive Hemoptysis: An Update on the Role of Bronchoscopy in Diagnosis and Management

“…Although several other reports have described resolution of hemoptysis following APC treatment of endoluminal targets, bleeding episodes in most cases were mild to moderate, with benign underlying causes, namely endobronchial hemangiomas and endobronchial endometriosis with catamenial hemoptysis [101,102,103]. …”

Endobronchial Capillary Hemangioma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…DeKeratry [8] reported a case which had a favorable outcome with the use of APC and argued that the established safety of APC makes it an ideal tool in treating such lesions. However, the procedure had to be repeated to control recurrent hemoptysis after the initial intervention.…”