title: Preoperative computed tomographic diagnosis of an aortocaval fistula associated with aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.
abstract: Aortocaval fistula is a rare but life-threatening complication of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. We present a case of an aortocaval fistula with acute right heart failure. The condition was accurately diagnosed before operation by physical examination, echo, and especially by computed tomography (CT), thereby enabling proper planning of the operative strategy. At surgery, not only the infrarenal aorta and common iliac arteries on both sides but the inferior vena cava and iliac veins on both sides were also controlled to avoid massive venous bleeding through the fistula. Aortocaval fistula repair was easy, and conventional bifurcated Dacron graft replacement for abdominal aortic aneurysm was successfully performed. Innovative CT images give us prompt preoperative diagnoses and elaborate surgical strategies.
authors: Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, St. Mary's Hospital, 422 Tsubukuhon-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. oda@st-mary-med.or.jp
authors: Takeshi
authors: T
authors: Oda
authors: Hiroshi
authors: H
authors: Yasunaga
authors: Yukio
authors: Y
authors: Hosokawa
authors: Yoriko
authors: Y
authors: Nomura
authors: Takahiro
authors: T
authors: Shojima
authors: Yasuyuki
authors: Y
authors: Zaima
authors: Takemi
authors: T
authors: Kawara
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods*; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery