Aortoesophageal fistula with a history of graft treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but fatal cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, being most commonly associated with thoracic aortic aneurysm. We present a rare case of secondary AEF post graft treatment for mycotic aneurysm of thoracic aorta 4 years previously. Massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage resulted in difficult diagnosis by gastrointestinal endoscopy. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed contrast extravasation from the descending aorta into the mid-third esophagus. CTA is a useful diagnostic tool in patients suspected of having AEF. Rapid identification of AEF is important for definitive treatment and increases the likelihood of survival.
Lin
Chen-Sheng
CS
Division of Gastroenterology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
Tung
Chun-Fang
CF
Yeh
Hong-Zen
HZ
Chang
Chi-Sen
CS
Lin
Cheng-Wen
CW
D000368:Aged; D000785:Aneurysm, Infected / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016157:Vascular Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis*