Current Trends and Evidence on Post-Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair Aorto-Pulmonary and -Bronchial Fistula: A Narrative Review

Background: Aorto-bronchial or aorto-pulmonary fistulas (ABPF) are a rare but life-threatening complication following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the current trends and available evidence on ABPF following TEVAR, evaluating risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and possible preventive and therapeutic strategies. Methods: Relevant publications on post-TEVAR ABPF were selected through a literature search on PubMed. Studies providing data on post-TEVAR ABPF concerning pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic tools, surgical approaches, and outcomes were included. Results: The literature search obtained 169 articles. After selection, 37 studies, published between 2000 and 2024, remained for analysis. The primary symptom of ABPF is typically hemoptysis, which may be recurrent or persistent. The diagnostic pathway for ABPF encompasses medical history, clinical evaluation, blood tests, sputum and blood cultures. Computed tomography angiography is the first-line imaging modality in suspected ABPF, while bronchoscopy is reserved for hemodynamically stable patients. Moreover, 18-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography can aid in the diagnosis of graft infection. Post-TEVAR ABPF are associated with multiple risk factors, mainly patient-specific clinical conditions (i.e. chronic inflammatory conditions, underlying mediastinal oncologic pathologies, and infectious diseases) and anatomical characteristics, mainly large aortic aneurysms, severe aortic tortuosity, and an extensive periaortic hematoma. Strategies to minimize the risk of ABPF formation include appropriate device oversizing, long sealing zones, limited extent of aortic coverage, selective hematoma evacuation, and strict adherence to sterility and antibiotic prophylaxis. Radical surgical interventions have shown superior outcomes compared to endovascular approaches, which may be adopted as initial step to stabilize the patient in a staged treatment. Conclusion: Post-TEVAR ABPF is a rare and life-threatening condition. Literature is scarce and a deeper understanding of risk factors, diagnostic pathways, and therapeutic strategies is essential for the prevention and management of ABPF secondary to TEVAR.