Toothpick-induced aortoenteric fistula presenting as sepsis

Abstract

Aortoenteric fistulas (AEF) are a rare but life-threatening cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We present the case of a primary AEF caused by ingestion of a toothpick by a 47-year-old male. This is the 10th known case in the literature in which a foreign body was found to be the cause of a communication between the aorta and the GI tract. Most foreign objects have been sewing needles; this is the first known case of a toothpick penetration. The patient presented to our institution with polymicrobial sepsis and bilateral pulmonary septic emboli. The patient was successfully treated but required multiple interventions and a prolonged intensive care unit admission.