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Aortotracheal fistula: demonstration by computerized tomography
H M Elmadbouh1, M S Ruttley, K Bushan
1Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, U.K.
The Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Aortotracheal fistula is a rare, fatal condition. Computerized tomography (CT) can diagnose this rare fistula, which is often missed by other methods, enabling timely surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Aortotracheal fistula is a rare and often fatal condition.
- Patients typically present with intermittent hemoptysis.
- Diagnosis is challenging, with bronchoscopy and conventional CT often being non-diagnostic or misleading.
Observation:
- A case of aortotracheal fistula is presented.
- Computerized tomography (CT) was utilized for diagnosis.
- Bronchoscopy was considered potentially misleading and dangerous.
Findings:
- CT successfully demonstrated the aortotracheal fistula as a continuous tract between the aorta and trachea.
- This imaging modality established the diagnosis when other methods were inconclusive.
- The CT findings were crucial for identifying the specific anatomical connection.
Implications:
- CT should be considered in the initial investigation of suspected aortotracheal fistula.
- Early and accurate diagnosis via CT can facilitate life-saving surgical treatment.
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of CT in rare vascular-tracheal anomalies.