[Aortoenteric fistula: an unusual cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage]

The formation of an aortoenteric fistula is an infrequent cause of intestinal bleeding which carries out a bad prognosis. The causes may be diverse and the clinical picture is, occasionally, very unspecific with a high index of suspicion being fundamental in the management of this type of patients. Four cases of aortoenteric fistula which the authors believe to be clearly demonstrative are presented. One of these cases may currently be considered as very rare in Spain due to the etiology of the same. The authors emphasize the importance of exhaustive exploration by oral endoscopy which is able to diagnosis the localization of the bleeding in 80% of the cases. However they also underline the need for laparotomy, particularly in carriers of aortic vascular grafts which are currently the most important risk group, since confirmation of diagnosis by imaging methods may be delayed.