Aortobronchial and aortoenteric fistula

Pathologic communication between the thoracic aorta and esophagus or tracheobronchial tree is a rare vascular condition and most commonly develops after open or endovascular aortic repair complicated by infection. Patients with aortoesophageal or tracheobronchial fistula often present with systemic infection and are at risk for major hemorrhage. Medical management is uniformly fatal. Expeditious definitive management requires operative repair by open repair or a combination of endovascular and open procedures. Appropriate antibiotic regimens are important for preventing graft reinfection.