Thursday November 5, 2009


Q: Define Massive Hemoptysis?

Answer: Traditionally 600 mL in 24 hours is a common definition of "massive hemoptysis" although a range of 200 to 1000 mL has been described. Since the actual volume is almost never measured, most physicians become concerned when an estimated 200 to 400 mL is expectorated and use this value as a definition of massive hemoptysis.

One reason to classify hemoptysis is to establish prognosis. Reported mortality in massive hemoptysis has ranged from less than 10% with intervention to 85% without intervention. Perhaps more important than expectorated volume is the rate of bleeding. Fortunately, massive hemoptysis is infrequent, with an incidence of less than 10%.