title: Lethal hemorrhage caused by aortoesophageal fistula secondary to stent-graft repair of the thoracic aorta.
abstract: Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but life-threatening complication after endovascular or surgical aortic repair. Here we report a patient with AEF secondary to aortic stent-placement 2 years earlier who presented with hematemesis and died from hemorrhagic shock. By means of this case and the literature, we highlight potential bleeding sources in such a scenario because this is of crucial importance for the management strategy.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik II, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany, hendrik.sager@uk-sh.de
authors.forename: Hendrik B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Sager
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wellhöner
authors.forename: Johanna A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wermelt
authors.forename: Heribert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Schunkert
authors.forename: Volkhard
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kurowski
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000601:surgery*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004937:Esophageal Fistula / Q000150:complications*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015607:Stents; D016157:Vascular Fistula / Q000150:complications*