Hemoptysis is an often alarming presenting symptom and VEGF is a major regulator of both normal and abnormal angiogenesis, including many inflammatory diseases. In this report the clinical significance of the serum VEGF level in patients with hemoptysis was investigated.

Thirty-two patients with hemoptysis were evaluated. The estimated amount of hemoptysis, etiology and serum VEGF level was examined at admission and bronchial angiography was performed in 22 patients. In order to objectify the neovascularization status, one point for the presence of the A-V shunt, hypervascularity, vascular tortuosity was designated for a total of 0-3 points.

Mean quantity of hemoptysis was 172.4±270.4ml. The mean angiographic neovascularization score was 1.23±0.75. The serum VEGF level correlated with the quantity of hemoptysis(r=0.524, p=0.002) and with the angiographic neovascularization score(r=0.441, p=0.04). Using the standard diagnostic criterion for massive hemoptysis, the serum VEGF level of patients with massive hemoptysis(642.4±545.6 pg/ml, n=13) was found to be higher than that of patients with non-massive hemoptysis(394.6±225.8 pg/ml, n=19)(p=0.069).

Regardless of the etiology, the serum VEGF may contribute to abnormal neovascularization in patients with hemoptysis. Therefore, it is suggested that serum VEGF measurements may help in predicting a massive hemoptysis.