Arterioesophageal fistula: a rare complication of retroesophageal subclavian arteries.
Formation of a fistula between a retroesophageal subclavian artery and the esophagus is a rare cause of hematemesis that is usually fatal. Several etiologies have been described. The purpose of this report is to describe a case involving successful surgical repair of an arterioesophageal fistula induced by prolonged nasogastric intubation. A preoperative CT scan under emergency conditions allowed tentative diagnosis. Arteriography in the operating room confirmed the presence of a fistula and also allowed temporary hemostasis by tamponade. On the basis of a review of the literature, this case demonstrates the importance of screening patients requiring prolonged nasogastric intubation to rule out the possibility of an aberrant aortic arch system.
Feugier
Patrick
P
Service de Chirurgie Vasculaire, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon, France. patrick.feugier@wandoo.fr
Lemoine
Laurent
L
Gruner
Laurent
L
Bertin-Maghit
Marc
M
Rousselet
Bernard
B
Chevalier
Jean-Michel
JM
D000328:Adult; D000792:Angiography; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005402:Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006396:Hematemesis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D013348:Subclavian Artery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery