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Vertebral Osteophyte as Possible Etiology of Aortoenteric Fistula
Matthew Janko1, Rocco G Ciocca1, Robert I Hacker1
1Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Division of Vascular Surgery, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH.
Abstract:
Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) and aortoenteric erosion (AEE) are deadly and difficult to diagnose. We present here a case report of a patient with a delayed diagnosis of AEF whose preoperative imaging revealed a large vertebral osteophyte which likely directed the aortic impulse into the duodenum. We believe this is the first report documenting an anatomical explanation for AEF/AEE and conclude that the presence of vertebral osteophytes should be considered a risk factor when assessing preoperative likelihood of AEF/AEE.
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