Endoluminal Stent-Graft Repair of Aortobronchial Fistulas:Bridging or Definitive Long-term Solution?

Aortobronchial fistula from invasive Aspergillus infection of the lung: an endovascular approach to repair

We report the case of an 11-year-old girl with an aortobronchial fistula as a complication from an invasive aspergillosis in the lung. This very rare problem has not been reported in children, to our knowledge. Management of Aspergillus infections of the lung in children and aortobronchial fistulas is reviewed.

[Recurrent hemoptysis secondary to an aortobronchial fistula]

Aortobronchial fistula is a rare but serious cause of hemoptysis. It can develop from an aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta in the context of infections or it may appear as a sequel of surgical repair of congenital heart defects. Presenting symptoms include mild bronchial hemorrhages and recurrent chest pain, culminating in a normally fatal massive hemorrhage. Diagnosis by imaging is not always conclusive and clinical suspicion based on medical history is essential. Surgical placement of an endovascular stent graft is the treatment of choice. Post-surgical prognosis is good although there is a risk of recurrence in the case of superinfection.