Bronchial Ligation as a Temporizing Procedure for Hemoptysis Caused by Acute Type B Aortic Dissection Rupturing into...

Background and Clinical Significance: Hemoptysis caused by acute type B aortic dissection rupturing into the lung is rare but life-threatening; Case Presentation: An 81-year-old man receiving maintenance hemodialysis developed hemoptysis due to an aortobronchial fistula involving the left upper lobe. The ulcer-like projection was located on the greater curvature of the distal aortic arch and enlarged during the clinical course. Immediate thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and open repair were initially considered unsuitable because of hostile access through a previous abdominal aortic graft, a shaggy aorta, and severe cardiac comorbidities. Left upper lobe bronchial ligation was performed as a temporizing airway-isolation procedure and initially controlled airway bleeding. However, recurrent hemoptysis occurred after further enlargement of the aortic lesion and development of a new fistula involving the left lower lobe. Emergency TEVAR was then performed through the previous abdominal aortic prosthetic graft, and no further hemoptysis occurred; Conclusions: Bronchial ligation may temporarily control life-threatening airway bleeding when immediate aortic repair is not feasible, but strict surveillance and readiness for subsequent aortic intervention remain essential.