Aortoesophageal fistula: an uncommon complication after stent-graft repair of an aortic thoracic aneurysm

Abstract

To report the incidence and management of aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) secondary to endovascular stent-graft repair of the descending thoracic aorta. We analyze a case of AEF as a late complication of stent-graft repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm in a 74-year-old male. We also include a discussion on alternatives of treatment based on a review of the literature currently available in MEDLINE. This patient was admitted to our hospital because of constitutional symptoms. The diagnosis was established by computed tomography and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The patient died 50 days after admission. AEF is a catastrophic complication of endovascular stent-graft placement. Treatment options are very limited, as these patients are usually not candidates for open surgery. Conservative treatment is often associated with fatal results.