Aortoesophageal fistula: An uncommon complication after stent-graft repair of an aortic thoracic aneurysm

Abstract

Objectives: To report the incidence and management of aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) secondary to endovascular stent-graft repair of the descending thoracic aorta. Methods: We analyze a case of AEF as a late complication of stent-graft repair of a thoracic aortic aneurysm in a 74-year-old male. We also include a discussion on alternatives of treatment based on a review of the literature currently available in MEDLINE. Results: This patient was admitted to our hospital because of constitutional symptoms. The diagnosis was established by computed tomography and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. The patient died 50 days after admission. Conclusions: AEF is a catastrophic complication of endovascular stent-graft placement. Treatment options are very limited, as these patients are usually not candidates for open surgery. Conservative treatment is often associated with fatal results.