Tracheoinnominate Artery Fistula as a Complication of Radiation Therapy

Abstract

Tracheoinnominate artery fistulization is a well-known complication of tracheostomy and of tracheal resection. The first known occurrence of this problem in a patient in whom no transtracheal procedure had ever been performed is reported, and high-dose radiation therapy delivered three years before for a mediastinal malignancy is suggested as the cause. No evidence of tumor was found in or adjacent to the tracheovascular communication.

The tracheoinnominate artery fistula must be considered a potential complication of radiation therapy as well as of surgery.