Thoracic endovascular aortic repair of aortobronchial fistulas

Staged complex reconstruction of infected thoracic aortic endograft and adjacent spinal hardware using latissimus wrapped lateral aortic graft

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) enables rapid and effective treatment of life-threatening aortic injuries. The occurrence of long-term complications from TEVAR and their management is ill-defined in young patients. This report describes a complex case of a 38-year-old male patient who underwent staged interventions for different acute pathologies instigated by blunt thoracic spinal trauma. The patient was initially treated with a TEVAR for aortic pseudoaneurysm in the setting of infected spinal hardware, which later resulted in an aortobronchial fistula and eroded spinal hardware. This report illustrates a successful multidisciplinary approach for definitive treatment with graft explant and aortic reconstruction.

Secondary Endovascular Conversions for Failed Open Repair

Late aortic and graft-related complications after open aortic repair are not infrequent and a significant number of them are missed, diagnosed at a very late stage, or present as urgent complications such as aortic rupture or aorto-enteric fistula. Once a late complication is diagnosed and reintervention is necessary, both open and endovascular strategies are possible. Open reintervention is complex and usually associated with very high rates of morbidity and mortality. Endovascular techniques may offer several solutions for these cases, which may be tailored to the patient and specific complication. In this review, we aim to summarize current indications, options, and strategies for endovascular salvage after failed or complicated open surgical repair.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Aortobronchial Fistula 18 Years after Graft Replacement of the Descending Aorta

A 77-year-old woman who had undergone graft replacement of the descending aorta 18 years prior presented to our hospital complaining of a cough with bloody sputum. She was diagnosed with aortobronchial fistula by computed tomography. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed, and the patient was discharged from the hospital without any major complications. Postoperatively, bloody sputum disappeared, and computed tomography examination at 12 months postoperatively showed that the preoperative infiltrative shadows in the lung fields were reduced. In conclusion, thoracic endovascular aortic repair is an effective treatment for aortobronchial fistula.

A systematic review of therapies for aortobronchial fistulae

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to summarize epidemiologic data about aortobronchial fistulas and compare outcomes (mortality, recurrence, re-operation) of open, staged, and endovascular repair of aortobronchial fistula.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify eligible studies published between January of 1999 and December of 2019. The Cochrane Library, PubMed and Scopus databases were used as search engines. Eligible studies included articles reporting postoperative outcomes (death/follow-up). Literature review revealed only case reports and small case series and thus, only descriptive data with data heterogeneity was available. The corresponding authors were contacted to provide additional information or outcome updates (recurrence/reoperation/death).

RESULTS

Overall, 214 patients (90 studies) underwent 271 procedures (including re-do procedures and staged procedures). Most of the patients were treated by endovascular means (72.42%). Open surgical repair was performed in 21.96% and staged procedures in 5.6%. Aortobronchial fistulae located most often in the descending thoracic aorta (Zone 3,4) (64,6%) and in Zone 2 (23,8%). Fourteen percent of aortobronchial fistulae developed after thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair. Recurrence or infection occurred in 20% (43 patients). Recurrences were at some extend associated with the presence of endoleak. Long-term antibiotic administration (>1 month) was instituted in 63 patients (29.4%), whilst 90 patients (42%) did not receive antibiotics beyond hospitalization. From the remaining 61, 3 received life-long antibiotics and for 58 patients data were not available. Considering outcomes, mean follow-up was 25.1 months (0-188 months) and not significantly different among treatments.

LIMITATIONS

Literature review has revealed only case reports and small case series and thus, only descriptive data were available. Randomized controlled trials are not available due to the rarity of the disease which significantly decreases the power of the present study. Also, this study reflects significant data heterogeneity due to the nature of the analyzed manuscripts and would benefit from large patient cohort studies which till today have not been conducted.

CONCLUSION

Aortobronchial fistula is a complex disease. Endoleaks may be involved in the development and in recurrence process and they should not be disregarded. Considering major outcomes (length of follow-up), the available treating strategies are equal and thus, surgeons should feel confident to apply the treatment of their choice, taking in mind their experience, patient's age, and clinical condition.

Recurrent Aortobronchial Fistula after Endovascular Stenting for Infected Pseudoaneurysm of the Proximal Descending Thoracic Aorta: Case Report

Aortobronchial fistula (ABF) induced by an infected pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta is a life-threatening condition. As surgical treatment is associated with significant mortality and morbidity, thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) may be an alternative for the treatment of ABF. However, the long-term durability of this intervention is largely unknown and the recurrence of ABF is a potential complication. We experienced a case of recurrent ABF after stent grafting as an early procedure for an infected pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta. Remnant ABF, bronchial and/or aortic wall erosion, vasa vasorum connected with ABF, and recurrent local inflammation of the thin aortic wall around ABF might cause recurrent hemoptysis. As a result, we suggest that TEVAR should be considered as a bridge therapy for the initial treatment of ABF resulting from an infected pseudoaneurysm, and that several options, such as second-stage surgery, should be considered to prevent the recurrence of ABF.

Treatment of infectious aortic disease with bovine pericardial tube grafts

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of bovine pericardial tube graft repair for infectious aortic disease in any aortic segment.

METHODS

Between May 2015 and July 2020, 45 patients were treated for infectious aortic disease of the native (n = 9) aorta or after (endo-)graft (n = 36) implantation with bovine pericardial tube grafts. Clinical, infectious details, outcomes and follow-up data were evaluated.

RESULTS

All aortic segments underwent pericardial tube graft or bifurcational replacement: the aortic root (n = 12, 27%), ascending aorta (n = 18, 40%), aortic arch (n = 7, 16%), descending aorta (n = 5, 11%), thoraco-abdominal aorta (n = 6, 13%) and abdominal aorta (n = 18, 40%) including the iliac arteries (n = 14, 31%). Organ fistulation (n = 15, 33%) was the most common underlying pathology. Seven patients (16%) expired in-hospital secondary to ongoing sepsis (n = 5, 11%), respiratory failure (n = 1, 2%) and unknown cause (n = 1, 2%). A fungal infection was predictive for in-hospital mortality (P = 0.026, odds ratio: 19.470). After a median follow-up of 11 [first quartile: 2, third quartile 26] months, 9 additional patients (20%) expired and 1 patient developed a postoperative spondylodiscitis at the level of the aortic tube graft. Hence, freedom from proven aortic graft re-infection was 98%.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic aortic reconstruction using bovine pericardial tube grafts to treat infectious aortic disease is possible in any aortic segment. Organ fistulation is a frequently observed disease mechanism requiring concomitant treatment. Granted, the early attrition rate is substantial, but after the initial period, both survival and freedom from re-infection appear encouraging.

Aortotracheal fistula after slide tracheoplasty in a patient with dextrocardia, left pulmonary artery sling and tracheal stenosis: a case report

Background

Aortotracheal fistula (ATF) is an uncommon and fatal complication of tracheal or aortic surgery, especially among pediatric patients.

Case presentation

We reported a case in a 1-year-old boy with dextrocardia, left pulmonary artery sling and long segment tracheal stenosis. He received slide tracheoplasty at 9 months of age and had post-operative refractory granulation at distal trachea status post repeated balloon dilatation and laser vaporization. Episodes of hemoptysis occurred on post-operative day 81. Bronchoscopy revealed a pulsating pseudoaneurysm at lower trachea which ruptured during the procedure

Urgent surgical repair under cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was done. No recurrent bleeding or significant neurologic deficits noticed at a 4-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Congenital anomaly that changes the spatial relationship between trachea and aorta could have contributed to formation of ATF. This warrant future attention when managing tracheal granulation with this not uncommon anatomy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13019-021-01438-6.

Aortobronchial fistula

Aortobronchial fistulas (ABFs) are rare but fatal if left untreated. Hemoptysis is the most common symptom of the patients. ABFs may occur after any thoracic aortic lesions or maneuveurs for these lesions. The treatment of ABF can be surgical or thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair can be a safe and less invasive procedure for the treatment of ABFs. However, ABFs might occur in much shorter time after thoracic endovascular aortic repair than any other etiologies. The prognoses of patients with ABFs are poor with a high morbidity and mortality. The selection of a suitable endovascular graft and avoidance of postinterventional complications might effectively prevent the occurrence of ABFs.

Aortobronchial Fistula Causing Recurrent Hemoptysis 21 Years Post-Heart Transplant

Aortobronchial fistulae (ABF) are uncommon but potentially fatal anomalies. Patients may initially present with small volume hemoptysis, which can rapidly lead to massive hemoptysis and death if not diagnosed and intervened upon early. Diagnosis by imaging and bronchoscopy is not always conclusive; thus, a high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose this life-threatening condition. Herein, we describe a case of a young man who had a late presentation of ABF 21 years following heart transplantation. This case illustrates the diagnostic and clinical challenge of ABF as a late sequela of cardiac transplantation and highlights the rarity of this anomaly.

Endovascular Repair of Aortobronchial Fistula due to Saccular Aneurysm of Thoracic Aorta

Aortobronchial fistula (ABF) is a rare condition which can be lethal if left untreated. Open surgical treatment carries high morbidity and mortality. Recent advances in endovascular technology have made thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) the treatment of choice. We present a successful endovascular repair of aortobronchial fistula due to a saccular aneurysm of descending thoracic aorta.

Alternative Treatment for Residual Aortobronchial Fistula After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair

A patient with an aortobronchial fistula secondary to a thoracic endovascular aortic repair was successfully treated with a re-thoracic endovascular aortic repair with debranching technique. Five months postoperatively, the aneurysm had shrunk; however, computed tomography revealed air in the thrombo-excluded aortic aneurysmal sac without signs of infection. Because of worsening air finding at the eighth month, we performed a resection of the residual fistula and wrapped the stent graft in a pedicled muscle flap.

Successful management of infected thoracoabdominal graft and aortobronchial fistula using a hybrid approach

We present the case of a 72-year-old patient who underwent successful management of a thoracoabdominal aortic graft infection. The patient was diagnosed with infected distal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm and aortobronchial fistula after type I thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The infection was caused by the enteric gram-negative bacterium Proteus mirabilis. The high-risk patient was successfully treated with visceral debranching, infrarenal aortic reconstruction, and stent graft coverage of the pseudoaneurysm. The success of this case suggests that endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic graft infections may be a viable option in some high-risk patients.

Delayed diagnosis of hemoptysis in the case of prior aortic coarctation repair: A case report of aortobronchial fistula

We report a case of a 46-year old man who presented with spontaneous bright red blood per mouth for several months. The patient had history of aortic coarctation repair at age 17. Endoscopy and nasopharyngeoscopy revealed no source of bleeding. Computed tomography scan revealed the presence of thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm with the formation of an aortobronchial fistula (ABF). This case illustrates the high index of suspicion for ABF in the case of hemoptysis or hematemesis with prior history of coarctation repair. Furthermore, we discuss the role of thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) as the standard of repair over open surgery.

Subclavian aneurysm presenting with massive hemoptysis: a case report and review of the literature

We present a case of a 70-year-old male with a past medical history of coronary artery bypass grafting and end stage renal disease who presented with massive hemoptysis. He had a history of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis, with infection and removal of endocardial pacing leads. His work-up revealed a 2.9-cm proximal left subclavian artery aneurysm. Bronchoscopy confirmed bright red blood in the left upper lobe bronchus and coronary angiography confirmed a patent left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending bypass. Because of the consideration of maintaining coronary perfusion via the LIMA while excluding the subclavian aneurysm, he underwent a left carotid to left axillary artery bypass graft followed by deployment of an Amplatzer II vascular plug just distal to the aneurysm. A thoracic endograft was then deployed to exclude the origin of the subclavian. A review of the literature reveals hemoptysis as a rare presentation of a subclavian aneurysm. We discuss approaches to this challenging clinical problem, ranging from open repair to hybrid approaches.

Open aortic repair after prior thoracic endovascular aortic repair

BACKGROUND

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been applied to increasingly complex aortic pathology, resulting in an increase in late complications. We characterized patients undergoing open repair after prior TEVAR including indications, operative techniques, and outcomes.

METHODS

Chart review and query of a prospectively collected database identified 50 patients who underwent thoracic aortic operation after prior TEVAR. Active follow-up was supplemented by Social Security information for vital status.

RESULTS

From July 2001 to January 2012 open arch (n = 25), descending (n = 6), thoracoabdominal (n = 17), or extra-anatomic bypass (n = 2) operations were performed after previous TEVAR (median interval from TEVAR to open surgical procedure: 13.9 months; interquartile range, 0.5 to 24 months). Indications for open operation included type 1 endoleaks (n = 19), retrograde aortic dissection (n = 9), chronic aortic dissection with persistent growth of the false lumen (n = 16), and graft infection (n = 6). Sixty percent had prior cardiovascular surgical procedures and 18% were done as emergencies. Circulatory support was required in 78% and hypothermic arrest in 48%. Hospital mortality occurred in 3 (6%) patients with no strokes and 1 patient with myocardial infarction; 5 (10%) patients required tracheostomy and 1 required dialysis. Survival was 67% at a median follow-up of 2.9 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Conversion to open repair after thoracic stent-grafting may be indicated for type 1 endoleak, retrograde dissection, chronic aortic dissection with persistent false lumen growth, or graft infection. These salvage operations are complex but can be completed safely with good early outcomes and preservation of the stent-graft in most cases. Late outcomes are consistent with the chronic disease state of these patients.

Hard to diagnose and potentially fatal: slow aortic erosion post spinal fusion

BACKGROUND

Delayed aortic injuries are a rare, but well-recognized complication of spinal surgery. They are a result of slow erosion of osteosynthesis material into the aorta. Although this is a life-threatening complication, patients might present years later with nonspecific symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

A complex case of slow aortic injury after thoracic spinal surgery is presented, which highlights the challenges involved in diagnosis and treatment.

CASE REPORT

A 62-year-old man had a T6 vertebrectomy and T5-7 anterior spinal fusion for multiple myeloma 5 years earlier. Two years postoperatively, the patient developed intermittent hemoptysis that triggered several presentations to the emergency department and consecutive hospital admissions during a 3-year period. All investigations, including endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and repeated chest computed tomography (CT) scans, were unremarkable. Eventually, the patient presented with frank hemoptysis associated with severe left-sided chest pain. Urgent CT angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm measuring 34 × 20 mm at the level of the vertebrectomy. The patient underwent emergency surgery and an endoluminal stent graft was successfully placed. The patient remains well after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The close proximity of the aorta and spine entertains the risk of aortic injury associated with vertebral osteosynthesis. Long-term complications of slow aortic erosion are extremely difficult to diagnose. The presented patient suffered from an undetected bronchio-aortic fistula with consecutive pseudoaneurysm formation and rupture. Awareness of slow aortic erosion is important for correct diagnostic pathways and subsequent early diagnosis to ensure a positive outcome for the patient.

Aortobronchial fistula in the presence of a midgraft hole after endovascular repair of thoracic aortic aneurysms

Aortobronchial fistulas (ABF) are infrequent and require urgent diagnosis, often relying on a bundle of arguments. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a possible therapeutic approach that needs close surveillance because its durability in such situations remains uncertain. We report a case of haemoptysis related to an aortobronchial fistula recurring 6 years after TEVAR, with an intraoperative finding of a midgraft hole. The patient underwent open repair with in situ aortic replacement with an aortic cryopreserved homograft.

Staged management of a primary aortobronchial fistula: a novel approach using a trapezius flap repair

There have been few reported cases of management of an aortobronchial fistula. We describe the case of a 68 year-old male with a very high operative risk who had a successful staged management of a primary aortobronchial fistula. An endovascular stent was placed initially, however due to recurrence of the fistula a second stent was deployed within the first one some three months after. Fifteen months later he represented with massive haemoptysis, severe cachexia and at this stage the best course of surgical management was thought to be lobectomy via thoracotomy followed by trapezius flap overlay covering the exposed stent and separating it from the remaining lung.