title: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to primary aortoenteric fistula.
abstract: Primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) is a rare but clinically important cause of catastrophic gastrointestinal bleeding. "Herald bleeding" is a characteristic symptom which refers to specific case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that stop temporarily spontaneously and then proceeds to massive bleeding. We present the case report of a 55-year-old male with PAEF who was admitted due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic studies were unremarkable and patient underwent exploratory laparotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. A high index of suspicion, early diagnosis and prompt appropriate surgical intervention are crucial for survival of patient with PAEF. Gastrointestinal bleeding combined with a negative endoscopy suggests PAEF. Endovascular operation is an attractive treatment option.
authors.affiliation: Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery Department, Royal London Hospital, UK. drsgourgiotis@tiscali.co.uk
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gourgiotis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moustafellos
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zavos
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dimopoulos
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vericouki
authors.forename: Aikaterini
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Panteli
mesh_terms: D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D004378:Duodenal Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016157:Vascular Fistula / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery