[Catamnestic study of 20 cases of cryptogenic hemoptysis. Average of 5 1/2-year follow-ups].

A report is presented on 20 patients with cryptogenetic hemoptysis. The following investigations are necessary and sufficient for diagnosis: history, physical examination, chest roentgenogram in posteroanterior and lateral projection, fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bacterial and cytologic analysis of bronchial brushing material, and determination of coagulation factors. Further explorations can be regarded as unnecessary since the above program discloses the cause of hemoptysis in more than 90% of cases. The prognosis of cryptogenetic hemoptysis was good in the 20 cases studied, which were followed up for 1 to 12 (mean 5.5) years.