Secondary infection of a pre-existing thoracic aortic aneurysm by iatrogenic oesophageal perforation with aorta-oesophageal fistula formation

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2009 Feb;35(2):365-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ejcts.2008.09.049. Epub 2008 Dec 23.

Abstract

We report a case of iatrogenic perforation of the oesophagus, with subsequent infection of a pre-existing thoracic aortic aneurysm and development of an aorto-oesophageal fistula resulting in life-threatening haemorrhage. This was successfully treated with endovascular aortic stent-graft using a Cook Zenith Tx2 device. Follow-up CT scan 3 months later showed that the aneurysm sac is getting smaller, and patient had no further septic or haemorrhagic complications. However, we emphasise that even if initial endovascular management of aorto-oesophageal fistula is successful, these patients often risk recurrent sepsis and therefore long-term clinical and radiological surveillance is mandatory.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aneurysm, Infected / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, Infected / etiology
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / microbiology*
  • Aortic Diseases / complications
  • Esophageal Fistula / complications*
  • Esophageal Perforation / complications*
  • Esophagus / injuries
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vascular Fistula / complications