Secondary infection of a pre-existing thoracic aortic aneurysm by iatrogenic oesophageal perforation with aorta-oesophageal fistula formation

Abstract

We report a case of iatrogenic perforation of the oesophagus, with subsequent infection of a pre-existing thoracic aortic aneurysm and development of an aorto-oesophageal fistula resulting in life-threatening haemorrhage. This was successfully treated with endovascular aortic stent-graft using a Cook Zenith Tx2 ® device. Follow-up CT scan 3 months later showed that the aneurysm sac is getting smaller, and patient had no further septic or haemorrhagic complications. However, we emphasise that even if initial endovascular management of aorto-oesophageal fistula is successful, these patients often risk recurrent sepsis and therefore long-term clinical and radiological surveillance is mandatory. © 2008.