Tracheoinnominate fistula mimicking an endotracheal mass and rupture during rigid bronchoscopy.

Bleeding from tracheoinnominate fistula is an uncommon, but life-threatening complication, which typically arises when a tracheostomy tube erodes into the posterior aspect of the innominate artery. However, it has never been reported as a complication of rigid bronchoscopy. This study reviews the relevant literature and explores the possibility of lethal tracheoinnominate fistula during these procedures.