CLINICO-RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF HEMOPTYSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN RAJASTHAN

Objective: This study aimed to determine the clinical and radiological prole of patients presenting with hemoptysis at a tertiary care center in Rajasthan, India, and to estimate the prevalence of various causes. Design: This was a prospective, observational, cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Kota, Rajasthan, over one year. Participants: The study included 123 patients over 18 years old presenting with hemoptysis who consented to participate. Results: The study found that the severity of hemoptysis increased with age. The most common cause of hemoptysis was tuberculosis, either active or sequelae, found in approximately 57.7% of the patients. Recurrent hemoptysis and diabetes were also identied as signicant risk factors for severe hemoptysis. Bilateral lesions on chest X-rays with extensive lung destruction and the presence of cavitary lesions were positively associated with severe hemoptysis. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering age, history of tuberculosis, recurrent hemoptysis, and comorbidities like diabetes when evaluating and managing hemoptysis.