Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2016 | Case report
Idiopathic bronchial hemorrhage: a rare but catastrophic complication in cardiac surgery
Published in: Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery | Issue 1/2016
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Background
Hemoptysis is a common complication in all kinds of surgery. However, it is rarely critical because it resolves with or without intervention.
Case presentation
Here the authors present what is believed to be an unprecedented report of a case involving a fatal idiopathic bronchial hemorrhage complication during cardiac surgery. Eighty-five-year-old female with severe aorticvalve stenosis had elective aortic valve replacement. Subsequently, she developed diffuse bilateral severe idiopathic bronchial hemorrhage which required maximum intervention such as external bronchial ligation, V-A ECMO, coil embolization of bronchial artery and internal airway blockage by spigot.
Conclusions
Airway bleeding is not a rare complication in cardiac surgery, but this case should increase awareness of this potentially life threatening perioperative complication.