Massive Gastrointestinal Bleed as Presentation for Previously Undiagnosed Coarctation of Aorta

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2016 Apr;32(4):240-2. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000000767.

Abstract

Background: Coarctation of the aorta is a common congenital heart lesion with a known complication of collateral vessel formation if left untreated.

Objective: To alert pediatric emergency physicians of a rare and life-threatening presentation of previously undiagnosed congenital heart disease in the adolescent.

Case: We discuss the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with hypertension and massive upper GI bleed due to aortoenteric fistula formation associated with undiagnosed coarctation of the aorta. There are no other reports of a similar presentation in the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Coarctation / complications
  • Aortic Coarctation / diagnosis*
  • Aortic Coarctation / surgery
  • Cardiac Catheterization
  • Esophageal Fistula / complications
  • Esophageal Fistula / diagnosis*
  • Esophageal Fistula / surgery
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / diagnosis*
  • Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / etiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Stents