Fatal complication of an expandable metallic bronchial stent.

A case of massive fatal haemoptysis secondary to erosion of a Gianturco expandable wire bronchial stent is described. The stent had been inserted for a benign bronchial stenosis. CT demonstrated erosion of the stent through the oesophagus and a false aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta. The CT and plain radiographic appearances are presented. The potential for progressive migration and local damage should limit the use of this type of stent in benign bronchial stenoses.