Approach to the evaluation of nonlife-threatening hemoptysis

COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; IPF: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; AIDS: acquired immune deficiency syndrome; VTE: venous thromboembolism; DVT: deep venous thrombosis; GI: gastroenterologist; ENT: ear, nose, and throat specialist; URI: upper respiratory tract infection; CBC: complete blood count; BUN: blood urea nitrogen; Cr: creatinine; LFTs: lung function tests; BNP: brain natriuretic peptide; ECG: electrocardiogram; CT: computed tomography; IV: intravenous; CTPA: computed tomography pulmonary angiogram.
* In general, we prefer CT scan with IV contrast to evaluate lung vasculature and parenchyma with these exceptions:

• If pulmonary embolism is suspected, we obtain CTPA with appropriate protocol.
• If strong suspicion for bronchiectasis or patient has contrast sensitivity or kidney impairment, we obtain noncontrast CT.