Single-stage endovascular treatment of an infected subclavian arterio-oesophagal fistula

Abstract

Oesophagal perforation after foreign body ingestion may result in an arterio-oesophageal fistula. We present a case of a man who presented with haematemesis and hypovolemic shock after ingestion of a chicken bone. Imaging revealed an infected fistula between the oesophagus and the left subclavian artery. Haemorrhage stopped after endovascular deployment of a stent graft in the subclavian artery. Aftercare consisted of intravenous antibiotics and parenteral feeding. The patient was discharged after 3 weeks and he encountered no infectious or vascular problems on follow-up. This unique case deals with a patient in whom an infected arterio-oesophageal fistula was successfully treated with a vascular stent-graft, thereby avoiding open surgical repair. © The Author 2013. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.