A rare case report of an acquired aortopulmonary artery fistula after Bentall procedure: multimodality imaging approach may be the key?

Abstract

Background The acquired communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Its diagnosis is challenging and may require a multimodality imaging approach. Case Summary A 67-year-old Caucasian man, admitted for acute respiratory failure unresponsive to medical therapy and non-invasive ventilation, was diagnosed with an aorto-pulmonary fistula (APF) complicating a pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root. This condition developed after Bentall cardiac surgery, which entailed the use of a straight Dacron aortic graft coupled with a mechanical prosthesis. A multimodal imaging approach, combining echocardiography and computed tomography angiography, was diagnostic and supported the development of a surgical treatment strategy. The patient underwent successful surgical closure of the APF and correction of the aortic pseudoaneurysm. Discussion Aorto-pulmonary fistula can result in rapid clinical deterioration if left untreated. The combination of echocardiography and computed tomography angiography techniques allowed for the diagnosis and surgical correction of the APF.