Unexpected double-primary aortoenteric fistula resulting in massive bleeding after induction of anesthesia

J Anesth. 2012 Dec;26(6):910-3. doi: 10.1007/s00540-012-1445-z. Epub 2012 Jul 15.

Abstract

We report a case of a patient with a double-primary aortoenteric fistula with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. A 75-year-old man was taken to the operating room for the repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a suspected aortoenteric fistula between the aorta and sigmoid colon. Sudden onset of massive bleeding through the nasogastric tube occurred after the induction of anesthesia. Surgical exploration confirmed an unexpected aortoduodenal fistula. Primary aortoenteric fistula is extremely rare and difficult to diagnose, and may cause fatal bleeding. The possibility of the presence of aortoenteric fistula, including multiple types, should be considered in the anesthetic management of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anesthesia*
  • Aorta, Abdominal*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / complications
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery
  • Aortic Diseases / complications*
  • Aortic Diseases / therapy
  • Duodenal Diseases / complications
  • Duodenal Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / complications*
  • Intestinal Fistula / therapy
  • Intraoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Intraoperative Complications / therapy
  • Male
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Sigmoid Diseases / complications
  • Sigmoid Diseases / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vascular Fistula / complications*
  • Vascular Fistula / therapy