Abstract

Background: Hemoptysis is an alarming symptom. Its etiology may vary from mild infections to malignancies. Pulmonary infections are a common cause of hemoptysis in young adults. However, vascular malformations are also enlisted among the sources of hemoptysis.
Case Presentation: A 33-year-old female presented to the institute with hemoptysis. The etiology of hemoptysis was ascertained to be an anomalous vascular connection between the descending aorta and inferior pulmonary vein draining into the left atrium.
Conclusion: Descending aortopulmonary fistula (DAPVF) is a rare congenital vascular malformation representing a left-toleft shunt, and cardiac failure is a presenting feature as described in some reported cases in children. DAPVF may present as hemoptysis in adults.

Key words: Hemoptysis, anomalous connections, descending aorta