Background:
Massive hemoptysis in pregnancy is very rare but can be life-threatening for both the pregnant woman and fetus. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is extremely rare in the treatment of severe hemoptysis in pregnancy. Here we describe the case of massive hemoptysis in the second trimester of pregnancy successfully treated with a combination of venovenous (VV)-ECMO, and bronchial artery embolization combined with fiberoptic bronchoscopy-assisted CO2 cryotherapy.
Case presentation:
A 34-year-old patient at 28 2/7 weeks gestation with a history of hemoptysis for 3 days was transferred to our care. Massive hemoptysis completely blocked the trachea and main bronchus, and a ventilator could not carry out ventilation. ECMO was performed immediately when oxygenation was not maintained. A right lower bronchial artery hemorrhage was found by bronchial arteriography under ECMO, and embolization with microcoils and gelatin sponge particles was then performed. An emergency bedside carbon dioxide cryo-thrombectomy was performed under fiberoptic bronchoscopy because of obstruction of the trachea and main bronchus. Endotracheal cryotherapy was repeated (for a total three times) until bronchoscopic evaluation confirmed no obstruction of the trachea and no active bleeding in the airway. On day 7, ECMO was successfully evacuated. On day 15, the patient was extubated. On day 17, the tracheotomy was closed and replaced by nasal oxygen inhalation. On day 20, the patient was discharged from hospital. The patient has had no recurrence of hemoptysis in 3-month follow-up.
Conclusion:
VV-ECMO combined with carbon dioxide cryotherapy in the treatment of pregnancy complicated with massive hemoptysis is an effective treatment, when massive hemoptysis completely blocked the trachea.