Aorto-oesophageal fistula. A rare cause of gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Primary aorto-oesophageal fistula is a rare cause of massive and usually fatal gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We herein present a case of a 62-year-old chronic alcohol abuser who had a small haematemesis after a week of persistent vomiting. He succumbed to an exsanguinating bleed 36 hours after admission. An aorto-oesophageal fistula was found at autopsy. We emphasize the need for a high index of suspicion and recognition of premonitory signs for accurate diagnosis and management of this condition.
Munnings
H A
HA
Department of Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Nassau, Bahamas.
Goode
S
S
D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed