Aortoenteric fistulas: A case report and current status

Abstract

Aortoenteric fistulas are rare, but mostly fatal if left untreated. Diagnosis and treatment are challenging. Aortoenteric fistulas can occur either as a complication of aortic aneurysm or, more commonly, secondary to previous aortic reconstructive surgery. Conventional treatment options are graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass or in situ graft replacement. This treatment is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Endovascular repair is an emerging therapeutic option. In this article, we describe a case of aortoenteric fistula which was not secondary to a previous reconstructive aortic surgery and discuss the diagnosis and treatment of these fistulas in the light of a comprehensive literature review.