| Abstract: | Physicians throughout the world, across various specialties, are faced with diagnostic challenges of appropriately identifying the source of hemotosysis, which could range from a simple treatable infection, to the more ominous massive hemorrhage from the aorta requiring emergency, life saving surgery. Aortobronchopulmonary fistula, which is an abnormal communication between the thoracic aorta and the pulmonary tree, is an uncommon but often lethal condition if not promptly surgically intervened. Over the decades, the underlying cause has shifted, from primarily due to an aortic infection, such as tuberculosis, to now secondarily as a result of endovascular repair of the intrathoracic aorta. The best treatment modality, whether open surgical repair, endovascular management, or hybrid approach continues to be debated given the high operative morbidity and mortality of open repair and need to address the pulmonary communication, with optimal management still undetermined. |
