[Aortopulmonary fistula due to failed graft for aortic aneurysm].
Hemoptysis originating from an aortobronchial fistula is uncommon. This fistulous connection between the aorta and the lung usually results from a preexisting thoracic-aortic aneurysm, and is uniformly fatal when left untreated. However, with early diagnosis the survival rate exceeds 80%. The case of an aortobronchial fistula in a young alcoholic, 2 years after aortic aneurysmectomy, is presented. He was admitted with symptoms suggesting upper gastrointestinal bleeding, allegedly related to alcohol abuse. He died of a sudden, massive hemoptysis 5 days after admission. An aortobronchial fistula was found on autopsy. To diagnose aortobronchial fistula, a high index of suspicion is necessary. It should be considered in patients with hemoptysis after repair of a thoracic aneurysm.
Ganem
R
R
Dept. of Medicine A, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera.
Perry
D
D
Weiner
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000601:surgery*; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male