Massive haemoptysis are rare in pregnant woman. Besides usual causes of haemoptysis, cases of idiopathic haemoptysis have been described during pregnancy, probably with a hormonal role. A pregnant woman at 22 weeks amenorrhoea was admitted in intensive care unit for massive and recurrent haemoptysis, enhanced by bouts of hypertension in a context of preeclampsia. Arteriography showed bronchial hypervascularisation, with abnormally dilated bronchial arteries, and a lot of collateral arteries. Three sessions of bronchial artery embolization have been performed with success. The management of idiopathic haemoptysis in pregnant woman seems to be based on the usual algorithm of management, emphasizing on the control of blood pressure, and the key role of interventional radiology.
Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier SAS.