title: Survival of a child without sequelae after tracheoarterial fistula.
abstract: Tracheoarterial fistula (TAF) involves erosion through the tracheal wall into the innominate artery resulting in bleeding. It is a rare but lethal complication of tracheostomy. Mortality is 100% without operative interference. Even with appropriate management, a survival rate of only 14.3% has been reported. We report a case of TAF in a child, where rapid institution of resuscitative and operative measures resulted in survival. Initial temporary control of bleeding was achieved by hyperinflation of cuff. Computed tomography (CT) angiography confirmed the diagnosis. The damaged segment of the eroded artery was resected and ligated. This case highlights the role of early diagnosis and prompt aggressive therapy for management of this potentially lethal complication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Institute Sciences and Research, Chandigarh, India. ghaibabita@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Babita
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ghai
authors.forename: Jeetinder Kaur
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Makkar
authors.forename: Jayamanti
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bakshi
authors.forename: Shelly
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rana
authors.forename: Rana Sandip
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Sanjeev
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhagat
mesh_terms: D016122:Brachiocephalic Trunk / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000379:methods; D016156:Respiratory Tract Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014132:Trachea / Q000601:surgery*; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016157:Vascular Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*