Anaesthetic hazards of aortocaval fistula.
A 66-yr-old man was anaesthetized for repair of a suspected ruptured aortic aneurysm. He became deeply cyanosed and suffered two episodes of asystole as the surgeons entered the abdomen. After the aorta was cross-clamped his condition improved markedly and no further problems ensued. Surgical exploration demonstrated intact aneurysms of the aorta and left iliac artery, the former containing a 3-4 cm long aortocaval fistula. The aneurysms and fistula were repaired and his further course was uncomplicated. Potential causes for the cyanosis and cardiac arrest in this patient are discussed.
Bodenham
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Department of Anaesthesia, James's Hospital, Leeds.
D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D001011:Aorta; D001014:Aortic Aneurysm / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D003490:Cyanosis / Q000209:etiology; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior