Chemo-irradiation induced aortoesophageal fistula

A patient with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus developed fatal aortoesophageal (AE) fistula following a preoperative course of combined chemotherapy plus radiation therapy. This is the first reported case of AE fistula following preoperative chemoradiotherapy. This complication is potentially correctable if suspected early, since the massive hemorrhage characteristic of AE fistula is usually preceded by an initial sentinel hemorrhage. The cause of this complication is not clear, but it may be due to inflammation of the vasa vasorum with necrosis of the aortic wall. The concomitant use of fluorouracil and cisplatin with radiation therapy acts as a radiosensitizer and may have potentiated the radiation effect on the aortic wall.