Tracheocarotid artery fistula infected with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus

Massive life-threatening haemorrhage from a fistula between the trachea and a major blood vessel of the neck is a rare complication of the tracheostomy procedure, well-recognized by anaesthetists and otolaryngologists. Although the lesion is likely to be encountered at autopsy, it is not described in histopathological literature. The possible causes are discussed together with the macroscopic and microscopic appearances of the lesion. Suitable procedures for its identification and for obtaining appropriate histopathological blocks are suggested. Presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has not been documented before and might have contributed to the genesis of the fistula in this case.