Evaluating bronchoscopy for patients with unexplained coughing up blood and negative CT scans

Utility of Bronchoscopy in Patients With Haemoptysis and Negative Chest CT Scan: an Observational, Prospective, Multicentre Study (ULYSSES)

University of Milan · NCT05634200

This study is testing if a procedure called bronchoscopy can help find the cause of coughing up blood in patients who have had negative chest scans.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Milan (other)
Locations14 sites (Bergamo and 13 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05634200 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the effectiveness of bronchoscopy in patients who experience haemoptysis but have negative or non-diagnostic chest CT scans. It will involve a multicenter approach, gathering data on the utility of bronchoscopy to identify the source of bleeding and detect any hidden malignancies. The study will also analyze the clinical characteristics of the patient cohort to better understand the implications of these findings. By addressing conflicting evidence in existing literature, this research seeks to clarify the role of bronchoscopy in the diagnostic pathway for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have unexplained haemoptysis and negative or non-diagnostic chest CT scans.

Not a fit: Patients with known bleeding lesions or those whose CT scans have already diagnosed the cause of haemoptysis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment options for patients experiencing unexplained haemoptysis.

How similar studies have performed: While there is conflicting evidence regarding the utility of bronchoscopy in similar cases, this study aims to provide new insights into its effectiveness.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years old
* Haemoptysis of unknown origin
* Negative or non-diagnostic chest CT scan

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known bleeding lesions of the upper or lower respiratory airways
* Chest CT scan diagnostic for hemoptysis etiology
* Refusal to sign the informed consent
* Refusal of bronchoscopy

Where this trial is running

Bergamo and 13 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hemoptysis, Computed tomography, Bronchoscopy, Lung cancer, CT scan, Haemoptysis

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.