Aortoenteric fistula secondary to an Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Misdiagnosis of Primary Iliac Aneurysmo-Colonic Fistula as a Submucosal Tumor Leading to Delayed Treatment: A Case Report

An aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is an uncommon cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that requires prompt diagnosis and intervention owing to its high mortality rate. Moreover, iliac aneurysmo-colonic fistula is an exceptionally infrequent presentation. We report a unique case of a 71-year-old male presenting with hematochezia, later diagnosed with a primary fistula between a common iliac artery aneurysm and the sigmoid colon. Initially, the patient was misdiagnosed as having a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, leading to delayed and emergent surgical intervention due to massive bleeding 2 days later. This case is particularly notable for its rarity, misinterpretation of the initial diagnosis, complicated surgical procedures, and development of complications including ischemic myopathy. This case highlights the criticality of accurate diagnosis with a high index of suspicion, significance of consultation with a vascular surgeon for vascular abnormalities, and importance of considering ischemic time in the sequence of surgical treatments to ensure timely and appropriate management.

Primary aortoduodenal fistula: As a first presentation of brucellosis; a case report

INTRODUCTION

The etiologies of primary aortoenteric fistula include aneurysm (most common), foreign body, tumor, radiation therapy, and infection (e.g., tuberculosis, syphilis). Brucellosis is a rare cause of primary aortoenteric fistula.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

In this study, we reported the case ofa 55-years-old male with an aortoenteric fistula and a positive brucellosis test.

DISCUSSION

In regions where brucellosis is endemic, the coexistence of aortitis and aneurysm should prompt consideration of brucella infection as a relatively uncommon cause of aortoenteric fistula.

CONCLUSION

While aortitis due to brucellosis is rare, it can lead to life-threatening manifestations such as aortoduodenal fistula. Therefore, we recommend the use of Wright, Coombs Wright, and 2ME tests in similar cases.

Secondary aortoenteric fistula: a narrative review of the view of the surgeon

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is defined as the abnormal communication between the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract. AEFs are divided into primary and secondary usually after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) recovery and are a rare but quite dangerous cause of gastrointestinal bleeding that the general surgeon may face during his/her career. Secondary AEF was first described in 1953 to a 44-year-old woman 3 months after an AAA operation. This review presents the role of the surgeon in the management of secondary aortoenteric fistulas. AEFs are a rare but fatal gastrointestinal bleeding cause that the general surgeon may be asked to manage. Diagnosis requires the combination of strong clinical suspicion and the presence of a history of AAA surgery. Although a vascular surgery case, general surgeons play a role in choosing the technique of restoring the intestinal tract, which seems to be significantly related to subsequent morbidity and mortality.

Fatal Hemorrhage Due to Aorto-Enteric Fistula: A Case Report

The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a vascular condition that commonly affects individuals over the age of 65, leading to complications such as rupture, thrombosis, and embolization that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Aorto-enteric fistula (AEF), a rare but life-threatening complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms, occurs when there is communication between the aneurysm and adjacent bowel loops. A 63-year-old man presented to the emergency department (ED) with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dark, tarry stools. Prior to his current presentation, the patient sought medical care from several primary care centers for vague abdominal pain that was diagnosed as dyspepsia, and he was prescribed omeprazole. During the current presentation, the patient had hemodynamic instability and a diffusely tender abdomen. Subsequently, a computed tomography (CT) scan revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm with AEF. Although the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy, he suffered cardiac arrest and ultimately died in the operating room. This case underscores the importance of early recognition and management of AEF, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

A Rare Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Aorto-Enteric Fistula

Aorto-enteric fistula is defined as an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal system and the aorta. The patients who develop this condition usually have a grim prognosis and the cases are universally fatal unless intervened with an endovascular repair or open surgical repair. Given the rarity and the relative unfamiliarity of this condition, an understanding of the presentation, pathogenesis, and management is vital to prevent catastrophic complications.

COVID-19 and aortoenteric fistula

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has generated a worldwide sanitary emergency, forcing the worldwide scientific community to recommend low-evidence-based therapies. These drugs may have been involved with unsuspected side effects. We describe a case of a Primary Aortoenteric Fistula (PAEF) in a patient with a recent history of severe COVID-19, and we hypothesize whether this rare condition may have been triggered by the virus or by the drugs used against it.