Aortopulmonary fistula after an arterial switch operation.

Aortopulmonary fistula has been documented in adult patients with acute aortic dissection, atherosclerotic disease, and other comorbidities. However, until now we believe this was not previously reported as a complication after the arterial switch operation in a patient with transposition of the great arteries. We report the case of a 3-month-old boy who underwent an arterial switch operation as a neonate. After balloon dilation to relieve a postoperative supravalvular pulmonary stenosis, he presented with severe congestive heart failure due to an undiagnosed but previously present fistula between the ascending aorta and the main pulmonary artery. He underwent successful surgical repair and recovered uneventfully. 2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.