Aorto-bronchial Fistula

Abstract

Aorto-bronchial fistula (ABF) is a rare, life-threatening complication associated with previous thoracic aortic surgery. Patients typically present with hemoptysis and its presence, once confirmed, mandates urgent repair. CT scans, aortography, bronchoscopy, and transesophageal echocardiography are the most common modalities used to make the diagnosis. Open surgery of aorto-bronchial fistulas is associated with respiratory insufficiency, stroke, paralysis, acute renal failure, myocardial infarction, cardiac failure, hemorrhage, secondary graft infection, and a mortality rate ranging from 25 to 41%.^1,2 Endovascular stent grafting provides a less invasive approach to exclude the fistulous tract as well as the pathological aorta with reduced morbidity and mortality.³