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Primary aortoenteric fistula.
Edgard A Cumpa1, Ross Stevens, Kim Hodgson
1Department of Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|October 3, 2002
Summary
Primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) is a rare cause of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding, often diagnosed during surgery. Early consideration in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms presenting with bleeding is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) is a rare but life-threatening condition.
- It presents as catastrophic upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring surgical exploration.
Observation:
- This case highlights PAEF in a patient with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- The patient had a known abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Standard upper endoscopy did not identify the bleeding source.
Findings:
- PAEF should be suspected in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and unexplained upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- Computed tomography (CT) can aid in diagnosis.
- Prompt clinical suspicion is key.
Implications:
- Early consideration of PAEF can lead to faster diagnosis and intervention.
- Improved diagnostic strategies for PAEF are needed.
- This case underscores the importance of a high index of suspicion for rare diagnoses.