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Acquired aortopulmonary fistula. A case report
G Ferlan1, C De Pasquale, M Testini
1Institute of Cardiosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bari, Italy.
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery
|February 11, 1999
Summary
Aortic stenosis and an aorto-pulmonary fistula caused acute heart failure in a patient. Surgical repair involving aortic valve replacement and fistula obliteration led to a successful recovery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- A 63-year-old male presented with acute heart failure and pulmonary thromboembolism.
- No prior history of heart disease was noted.
Observation:
- Echocardiography revealed severe aortic stenosis and an acquired aorto-pulmonary fistula between the ascending aorta and main pulmonary artery.
- Aortography confirmed the fistula diagnosis.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful aortic valve replacement with a bileaflet mechanical valve.
- The aorto-pulmonary fistula was surgically closed using a Dacron patch.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare complication of aortic stenosis leading to aorto-pulmonary fistula.
- Successful surgical management can restore cardiac function and improve patient outcomes.