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Technical Aspects of the Mouse Aortocaval Fistula
Published on: July 11, 2013
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COVID-19 and aorto-enteric fistula
Albert González-Sagredo1, Elena Iborra Ortega2, Carolina Herranz Pinilla2
1Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, España.
Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|September 7, 2021
Summary
A severe COVID-19 patient developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a primary aortoenteric fistula. This rare condition, suspected after an unusual duodenal ulcer, highlights potential complications following critical illness and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A 72-year-old male with a history of severe COVID-19 infection presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
- The patient had recently received treatment including lopinavir-ritonavir, hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab, and methylprednisolone.
Observation:
- The patient presented in hypovolemic shock.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed an ulcer in the third duodenal portion, which was successfully sclerosed, restoring hemodynamic stability.
Findings:
- A scan indicated an aortic aneurysm adjacent to the duodenum.
- The findings suggested a primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF), an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare complication of aortic aneurysm, potentially exacerbated by critical illness or its treatment.
- Early diagnosis and management of PAEF are crucial for patient survival.
- Further research into the link between severe COVID-19, its treatments, and vascular complications like PAEF is warranted.
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