Aortobronchial Fistula: Keys to Successful  Management.
Aortobronchial fistula is a rare but highly lethal condition. If it is diagnosed,survival rates are greater than 80%; if not, the condition is uniformly fatal with death usually due to massive hemoptysis. A high index of suspicion is necessary to establish the diagnosis. The most consistent symptoms are hemoptysis(96%) and massive hemoptysis (79%). The most rewarding test is a thoracic aortogram (with a sensitivity of 71 %). Characteristics of this condition, as described in the literature, and an illustrative case are presented.
S L
SL
Demeter
E M
EM
Cordasco
D000368:Aged; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005402:Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male