Acquired aorta-pulmonary artery fistula: diagnosis by multiple imaging modalities

J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2001 Aug;14(8):842-5. doi: 10.1067/mje.2001.111937.

Abstract

Acquired communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery is a rare phenomenon. We describe two patients with a thoracic aortic aneurysm in whom the diagnosis of a communication with the pulmonary artery was first made on transthoracic echocardiography and then more completely elucidated by means of multiple imaging modalities: transesophageal echocardiography, epiaortic ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Representative images from these complementary studies are presented. A successful repair of the fistula was subsequently accomplished in both patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / complications*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery
  • Echocardiography
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vascular Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Vascular Fistula / etiology*
  • Vascular Fistula / surgery