Secondary aortoenteric fistula—A fatal rare case involving the rectum

Abstract

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is a rare but potentially fatal condition causing massive gastrointestinal bleeding. It is defined as fistulous communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the aorta which is sub classified into primary and secondary. Primary AEF refers to communication between a native aorta and the gastrointestinal tract. Secondary AEF is a communication between a reconstructed aorta, which includes open or endovascular repair, with the gastrointestinal tract. We herein describe an unusual case of secondary AEF in an 88-year-old gentleman. Our case is unusual as secondary AEF involving the rectum has rarely been reported in the literature.

Keywords

• Aortoenteric fistula
• Computed tomography
• Computed tomography aortic angiography
• Radiological signs of aortoenteric fistula