Computed tomography of primary aortocaval fistula.
Spontaneous aortocaval fistula is a rare but documented complication of arteriosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm. Most cases reported have presented clinically with a palpable aneurysm, abdominal bruit, and high output congestive heart failure. A diagnosis in such cases requires active demonstration of findings secondary to arteriovenous shunting, which can be optimized utilizing proper CT bolus technique and dynamic scanning. We describe several CT findings--all of which may be typical for and support the diagnosis of this potentially lethal complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Sheward
S E
SE
Department of Radiology, Memorial Hospital and Medical Center, Midland, TX.
Spencer
R R
RR
Hinton
T R
TR
Hightower
C W
CW
Patel
P V
PV
Suckarieh
J G
JG
D000368:Aged; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001027:Aortography; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*