Venobronchial fistula: an unusual complication of long-term central venous access

A venobronchial fistula developed between the azygous vein and the upper aspect of the right main bronchus 12 months after completion of the treatment of a stage IIIB non-small-cell lung cancer in a 54-year-old man. The fistula contained the tip of the catheter placed for chemotherapy perfusion. The reported case presented risk factors previously identified for such a complication. In addition, some clinical particularities were present, suggesting new potent risk factors and some preventive means for safe long-term central venous catheterization.