Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula
Published on: July 11, 2013
[A swollen leg because of an aortocaval fistula]
Anthony K F De Smet1,2, Kirsten M B Huntjens3, Jérôme P van Brussel3
1Amphia ziekenhuis, afd. Chirurgie, Breda.
Abstract:
Aortocaval fistulas are a rare and potentially life-threatening complication of aortic aneurysms. They pose a significant diagnostic challenge due to their aspecific presentation. We describe two cases of patients who were admitted to the emergency room with an unusual presentation. The first patient was a 69-year-old male, with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, who was admitted to our hospital with a painful and swollen left leg. The second patient was a 75-year-old male with a history of coronary artery bypass graft and cholecystectomy who was admitted due to a swollen left leg and dyspnea. We also give a review of the literature regarding the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management of aortocaval fistulas.
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