Emergency endovascular repair of aortocaval fistula--a single center experience

Abstract

Purpose: To review the outcomes of patients undergoing emergency endovascular repair of aortocaval fistula (ACF) secondary to abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Case report: Four consecutive patients who underwent emergency endovascular repair of ACF associated with AAA in a tertiary institution between 2002 and 2009. Of the 4 patients, 3 had initially been misdiagnosed and managed for several days by other specialists for their symptoms prior to diagnosis of their ACF. Three patients died in the early postoperative period. The fourth patient made a satisfactory postoperative recovery but subsequently required further endovascular surgery to treat a persistent type 1 endoleak.

Conclusions: Our experience illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and management of ACF. Even in experienced hands, the management of spontaneous ACF associated with AAA is challenging. Endovascular surgery may still have a role in improving outcomes in these patients.