1566 A Rare Case of Aorto-Duodenal Fistula Associated with Bacterial Meningitis

Abstract

Abstract Aorto-enteric fistula (AEF) is an extremely rare complication of aortic disease with potentially fatal outcome. AEF is defined as a fistulous connection between aorta and bowel and can be classified into primary (involving native aorta) or secondary (occurring after aortic surgery). Primary AEF is by far the less common of the two and may be associated with malignancy, radiotherapy or infection. We present a case of a 75-year-old male presenting with collapse and haemetemesis. CT imaging revealed a fistula between native aorta and duodenum. Emergency surgery was carried out but ultimately the patient did not survive. The underlying cause remains uncertain. Notably, the patient had a recent history of bacterial meningitis 6 months prior to presentation and, despite negative cultures, infection of the aortic wall was strongly suspected.