Case Report

External-Beam Radiotherapy for Massive Hemoptysis Complicating Mediastinal Fibrosis

Authors: Peter F. Crossno, MD, James E. Loyd, MD, Aaron P. Milstone, MD

Abstract

Fibrosing mediastinitis with bronchial artery hypervascularity is a rare cause of massive hemoptysis. Conventional therapies for massive hemoptysis include pulmonary or bronchial artery embolization, endobronchial tamponade, or lung resection. A patient with fibrosing mediastinitis presented with refractory massive hemoptysis associated with bronchial hypervascularity and was treated with external-beam radiotherapy (XRT). The application of XRT for massive hemoptysis in malignant and nonmalignant disease of the thorax is discussed.


Key Points


* Massive hemoptysis is a rare complication of fibrosing mediastinitis.


* The aggressive progression of fibrosing mediastinitis has similarities to mediastinal malignancies.


* Hemoptysis complicating mediastinal fibrosis may be amenable to therapies like external-beam radiation therapy.

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