Case report: aortoenteric fistula presenting as repeated hematochezia.
BACKGROUND
Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is a rare but life-threatening condition in which expedient diagnosis is often difficult. It arises from erosion of a segment of aorta, usually an abdominal aortic aneurysm, into an adjacent portion of the gastrointestinal tract or between a vascular graft of the aorta and an adjacent portion of the gastrointestinal tract. It can present as life-threatening upper or lower gastrointestinal bleeding and is a surgical emergency that requires rapid assessment, emergency resuscitation, and definitive treatment.


METHODS
To present the case of an 87-year-old man diagnosed with AEF in the emergency department. A review of the literature follows the case report.


CONCLUSIONS
Aortoenteric fistula is a rare diagnosis that can cause sudden life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding.
Doney
Michael K
MK
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California, USA.
Vilke
Gary M
GM
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016312:Treatment Refusal