A rare case of acquired aorto-pulmonary fistula secondary to large aortic aneurysm

Abstract

Aorto-pulmonary fistula is an infrequent but often fatal condition resulting as a late complication of an aortic aneurysm. The most common cause is erosion of a false aneurysm of the aortic arch into the pulmonary artery, resulting in the development of a left-to-right shunt and leading to acute pulmonary edema and right heart failure. We report our experience with aorto-pulmonary fistula as a rare complication associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm and high output heart failure.