[Primary aortoenteric fistula: a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in young adults]

Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2005 Jan;28(1):26-9. doi: 10.1157/13070381.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Aortoenteric fistula is defined as a communication between the native aorta and any portion of the gastrointestinal tract. Depending on previous aortic grafting it can be classified as primary, without previous grafting, or secondary. Primary aortoenteric fistula is less frequent and usually arises from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Clinical presentation is usually gastrointestinal bleeding. The main diagnostic procedures are gastroscopy and computed tomography. We report the case of a 46-year-old man who presented to the emergency room with gastrointestinal bleeding and an abdominal pulsatile mass. Although complementary tests and clinical signs suggested a diagnosis of primary aortoenteric fistula, the communication was not observed on gastroscopy and was confirmed by exploratory laparotomy. Despite aggressive surgical treatment, the prognosis of this entity is poor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Abdominal
  • Aortic Diseases / complications*
  • Duodenal Diseases / complications*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Vascular Fistula / complications*