Aortobronchial Fistula with Hemoptysis after Aortic Graft Replacement-A Case Report

Abstract

Aortobronchial fistula after the graft replacement of a thoracic aorta is rare. We describe the case of a 69-year-old man who presented with recurrent hemoptysis. Thirteen years before he had had a type A aortic dissection, and had undergone a graft replacement of the thoracic aorta. Chest radiography and bronchoscopy showed non-specific abnormalities. The thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan and the CT angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm formation in the proximal descending aorta with contrast medium leakage, and aortography revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the distal graft with contrast leakage. An aortobronchial fistula resulting from a pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed. Surgery was recommended and he was treated successfully. If aortobronchial fistulas are undetected, mortality is 100%. A high index of suspicion of an aortobronchial fistula should be maintained in any patient with hemoptysis after thoracic aorta surgery.