title: Images in medicine: Spontaneous aortocaval fistula complicating abdominal aortic aneurysm.
abstract: Aortocaval fistula represents a rare, life-threatening complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm that needs emergency surgical treatment. The presentation couples that of a rupturing aneurysm with other more characteristic features resulting from the massive arteriovenous shunt. Early recognition and emergency surgical treatment are essential in reducing mortality and morbidity. Prompt investigation with multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography quickly and accurately establishes a precise preoperative diagnosis, thereby enabling proper planning of operative treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan - Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tonolini
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan - Italy.
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ippolito
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, "Luigi Sacco" University Hospital, Via G.B. Grassi 74, 20157 Milan - Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rigiroli
keywords: Aortocaval fistula; abdominal aortic aneurysm; computed tomography (CT); inferior vena cava