Open AccessImages in medicine: Spontaneous aortocaval fistula complicating abdominal aortic aneurysm
Author(s) -
Massimo Tonolini,
Sonia Ippolito,
Francesca Rigiroli
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of emergencies, trauma and shock
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.313
H-Index - 29
eISSN - 0974-519X
pISSN - 0974-2700
DOI - 10.4103/0974-2700.130888
Subject(s) - medicine , abdominal aortic aneurysm , radiology , shunt (medical) , complication , angiography , arteriovenous fistula , aneurysm , presentation (obstetrics) , fistula , computed tomography angiography , computed tomography , aortic aneurysm , surgery
Aortocaval fistula represents a rare, life-threatening complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm that needs emergency surgical treatment. The presentation couples that of a rupturing aneurysm with other more characteristic features resulting from the massive arteriovenous shunt. Early recognition and emergency surgical treatment are essential in reducing mortality and morbidity. Prompt investigation with multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography quickly and accurately establishes a precise preoperative diagnosis, thereby enabling proper planning of operative treatment.