Beware the starboard nasogastric tube.
A mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta is a rare entity in the pediatric population. It carries a high mortality rate associated with spontaneous rupture. Aortoesophageal fistula is a known complication of a pseudoaneurysm but is also rare in this group. A high index of suspicion is needed to make the diagnosis. This is aided by radiograph and computed tomography. We present such a case in an 11-year-old boy with previously undiagnosed coarctation of the aorta.
Burns
Brian J
BJ
Emergency and Critical Care Registrar, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia. bburns_2000@yahoo.com
Newey
Allison
A
Numa
Andrew
A
D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001017:Aortic Coarctation / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D009181:Mycoses / Q000150:complications*; D014463:Ultrasonography