Aortobronchopulmonary fistula in the postoperative period of aortic coarctation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with hemoptysis and a history of aortic surgery, the possibility of aortobronchopulmonary fistula must always be considered. The objective of this study was to report a rare case of hemoptysis due to aortobronchopulmonary fistula in the late postoperative period of aortic surgery. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 34 years, surgical correction of aortic coarctation, presenting massive hemoptysis. The echocardiogram disclosed a pseudoaneurysm. The surgical correction was performed and a Dacron tube graft was implanted in the affected aortic segment successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Aortobronchopulmonary fistulas must be considered in patients with previous aortic surgery, due to the elevated morbimortality if they are not promptly diagnosed and treated.