Massive hemorrhage after arterioesophageal fistula from an unknown aberrant subclavian artery

The aberrant right subclavian artery has an incidence of 0.5%-1% in the population, generally with retroesophageal location. It can lead to the formation of an arterio-esophageal fistula in patients with predisposing risk factors due to devices placed in esophageal or tracheal position, as it is particularly susceptible to extrinsic compression and pressure necrosis. We present the case of a patient with a postsurgical tracheoesophageal fistula, who developed massive bleeding due to an arterioesophageal fistula secondary to an unknown aberrant right subclavian artery. For hemostatic management, alternative maneuvers were performed, such as the placement of a Foley-type urinary catheter at the point of bleeding and the subsequent placement of a Sengstaken-Blakemore balloon in cranial position. Given the severity of the condition and the possible diagnostic delay, it seems appropriate to consider performing a preoperative CT angiography in patients with risk factors who undergo these procedures.