title: Aortoesophageal fistula with a history of graft treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysm.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gastroenterology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Chen-Sheng
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Chun-Fang
authors.initials: CF
authors.lastname: Tung
authors.forename: Hong-Zen
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Yeh
authors.forename: Chi-Sen
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Cheng-Wen
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: 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*