Endovascular repair of delayed traumatic aortocaval fistula

Abstract

Aortocaval fistula (ACF) is an uncommon condition that can result in a number of adverse clinical sequelae. We describe a case of an ACF that occurred several years after open repair of a penetrating injury of the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. Whereas ACF can have sudden and catastrophic presentations, our patient had a subacute presentation of high-output heart failure. We were able to fully correct the vascular injury and heart failure physiology and symptoms with endovascular therapy. Keywords: Aortocaval fistula, ACF, Gunshot wound, Endovascular repair, High-output heart failure