Open AccessAn autopsy case of a primary aortoenteric fistula: A pitfall of the endoscopic diagnosis
Author(s) -
Yoko Ihama,
Tetsuji Miyazaki,
Chiaki Fuke,
Yasushi Ihama,
Ryoji Matayoshi,
Hiroshi Kohatsu,
Fukunori Kinjo
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
world journal of gastroenterology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.427
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 2219-2840
pISSN - 1007-9327
DOI - 10.3748/wjg.14.4701
Subject(s) - aortoenteric fistula , medicine , gastrointestinal bleeding , autopsy , gastrointestinal tract , abdominal aortic aneurysm , differential diagnosis , fistula , duodenal diseases , aortic aneurysm , radiology , surgery , aneurysm , duodenum , pathology
A primary aortoenteric fistula (PAEF), defined as a communication between the native aorta and the gastrointestinal tract, is a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding. The preoperative diagnosis of PAEF is extremely difficult. Consequently, PAEF may cause sudden and unexpected death. We present an autopsy case of a 68-year-old man who died of massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to a PAEF. Autopsy revealed a pinhole rupture located on the third part of the duodenal mucosa and fistulized into the adjacent abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Our case indicates that the aortoenteric fistula can result in fatal gastrointestinal bleeding. Consequently, a PAEF should be included in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding.