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.