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Published on: July 11, 2013
Primary aortoenteric fistula due to a swallowed twig in a three-year-old child
S K Kappadath1, M J Clarke, E Stormer
1Northern Vascular Centre, Freeman Hospital, Freeman Road, High Heaton, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE7 7DN, United Kingdom. skappadath@nhs.net
Insights
A rare primary aortoenteric fistula occurred in a 3-year-old due to duodenal perforation from a twig. This is the first reported pediatric case, highlighting unique considerations for emergency aortic surgery in children.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Aortoenteric fistulae are rare complications, typically linked to aortic aneurysm repair or atherosclerosis.
- Primary aortoenteric fistulae (PAEF) are exceptionally uncommon, with limited reported cases, predominantly in adults with vascular disease.
Observation:
- A case of primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) in a 3-year-old child is presented.
- The fistula resulted from duodenal perforation caused by ingesting a twig.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of PAEF in a pediatric patient.
- The case underscores the need for specific considerations during emergency aortic surgery in children.
Implications:
- This report expands the understanding of rare AEF etiologies.
- It emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches for pediatric emergency aortic interventions.
Abstract:
Aortoenteric fistulae are infrequent causes of gastrointestinal bleeding and usually occur as a late complication of aortic aneurysm repair. Primary aortoenteric fistulae are very rare and most have an aetiological association with atherosclerotic aneurysmal disease.(1,2) We report a primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF) occurring in a 3 year old as a result of duodenal perforation after ingestion of a twig. To our knowledge this is the first case of a primary aortoenteric fistula reported in a child. Emergency aortic surgery in children needs certain considerations which are briefly discussed.
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