Massive hematemesis due to an aorto-oesophageal fistula. Case report

A patient with massive hematemesis due to an aorto-oesophageal fistula is presented. An aorto-oesophageal fistula is mostly a fatal disease. In the literature it is pointed out that recognition of the clinical syndrome with midthoracic pain, massive arterial hemorrhage and exsanguination after a symptom-free interval might ameliorate the prognosis. In the reported patient the correct diagnosis was not immediately suspected. The patient, however, survived a long operation and exsanguination without any major postoperative complications or sequelae.