Intermittent endoleak via an aneurysm–iliac venous fistula after endovascular aneurysm repair

Abstract

We have reported the rare case of an intermittent endoleak via an aneurysm–venous fistula (AVF). An 89-year-old woman had experienced postoperative sac expansion 6 years after she had undergone endovascular aneurysm repair. During aneurysmorrhaphy, we detected a small AVF, which was the source of the endoleak responsible for the aneurysmal sac expansion. This AVF had a check valve-like mechanism that allowed the inflow of blood from the iliac vein to the sac when the venous pressure exceeded the endotension. Our case has demonstrated the occurrence of an AVF after endovascular aneurysm repair that had resulted in an endoleak that was invisible on imaging studies and the presence of endotension.

Keywords

• Aortocaval fistula
• Caval pressure
• Check valve
• Endotension
• Sac expansion