Primary aortoenteric fistula and endovascular repair

Abstract

Primary aortoenteric fistulae are difficult conditions to diagnose and manage. A 35-year-old male developed massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to a primary aortoduodenal fistula. Previous radiation therapy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for germ cell cancer with resultant dense retroperitoneal fibrosis made open aortic repair impossible. Endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta and stent graft repair of the primary aortoduodenal fistula was performed. At 1-year follow-up, there is no clinical or radiographic evidence of stent-graft infection. Endovascular techniques and repair are important approaches to consider during the management of complicated primary aortoenteric fistulae when open surgical repair is not feasible.