A Rare Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Aorto-Enteric Fistula

Abstract

Aorto-enteric fistula is defined as an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal system and the aorta. The patients who develop this condition usually have a grim prognosis and the cases are universally fatal unless intervened with an endovascular repair or open surgical repair. Given the rarity and the relative unfamiliarity of this condition, an understanding of the presentation, pathogenesis, and management is vital to prevent catastrophic complications.

Keywords: aorta-enteric fistula; chiari’s triad; endovascular aortic repair; massive gastrointestinal bleeding; upper gi cancer.