Endovascular treatment of acute haemoptysis secondary to aortobronchial fistula.

INTRODUCTION

Aortobronchial fistula is a rare but potentially fatal condition. We report our experience in the endovascular treatment of acute haemoptysis in high risk patients with aortobronchial fistula.

REPORT: Between May 2002 and December 2004 five patients presenting with acute haemoptysys due to aortobronchial fistula were treated by endovascular stent grafting of the descending thoracic aorta. We did not observe intraoperative or perioperative mortality, stent-graft infection or paraplegia. In one case endoleak occurred.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular stent-grafting represents an effective therapeutic option for the management of aortobronchial fistula. Careful follow up of the patients is mandatory.