DOI: 10.12890/2025_005804

Haemoptysis in a patient with COPD due to right bronchial artery dilation

Authors

  • Ayesha Banu Athur Jaffar Medical Internship Program, Graduate Medical Education, Dubai Health, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Mohammad Kais Jawish College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
  • Yazan Yamen Rabah College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
  • Abdullah Al Antabli College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
  • Leena Abdelrahman Department of Internal Medicine, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
  • Alaadin Hakim Department of Interventional Radiology, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Health, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

ayeshabanu3@hotmail.com

Keywords

Haemoptysis, bronchial artery dilation, COPD, digital subtraction angiography, bronchial artery embolization

Abstract

Introduction: Haemoptysis is a potentially life-threatening symptom, particularly in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, where identifying the exact source of bleeding can be challenging.
Case description: We present the case of a 76-year-old woman with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and bronchiectasis, who experienced recurrent episodes of haemoptysis. Initial investigations, including imaging and infectious work-up, were inconclusive. While a CT pulmonary angiography excluded a pulmonary embolism, a subsequent CT aortogram revealed a contrast-filled outpouching in the right lower lobe, raising suspicion of a right basal pseudoaneurysm. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed a markedly dilated right bronchial artery with active contrast extravasation. The patient underwent successful endovascular embolization using coils and microparticles, resulting in complete resolution of haemoptysis and clinical stabilisation. The resolution of symptoms confirmed the dilated right bronchial artery as the source of bleeding, consistent with angiographic findings.
Conclusion: This case emphasises the importance of considering atypical vascular causes, such as bronchial artery dilation, in patients with haemoptysis and underlying chronic inflammatory lung conditions. Early recognition and targeted intervention are critical for effective management and prevention of serious complications.

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Published

2025-10-01

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 11 (2025)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Jaffar ABA, Jawish MK, Rabah YY, Al Antabli A, Abdelrahman L, Hakim A. Haemoptysis in a patient with COPD due to right bronchial artery dilation. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2025 Oct. 1 [cited 2026 Nov. 4];12(11). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/5804