[2 cases of aortocaval fistula]

We report two cases of fistula between the aorta and inferior vena cava that were admitted recently to the Intensive Care Department of this hospital. They are a perfect illustration of the aetiologies most frequently encountered in this disorder, viz. The spontaneous rupture of an atheromatous aneurysm in the vena cava and the occurrence of an aorto-caval fistula following surgery for a herniated disc. Aorto-caval fistula is a serious condition without typical presenting signs, so that diagnostic errors are frequent and appropriate treatment often delayed. It is at any event a true cardiovascular emergency for which surgery is the only answer.