[Anesthetic management of a patient with aortocaval fistula caused by rupture of a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm into the inferior vena cava]

Abstract

Aortocaval fistula is a rare complication of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. We report anesthetic management of a patient with aortocaval fistula caused by rupture of a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm into the inferior vena cava. A 51-year-old man who had complained of low back pain and general fatigue was referred to our hospital because of his liver damage. Aortocaval fistula due to rupture of a huge abdominal aortic aneurysm was diagnosed from physical examination, enhanced computed tomography and color Doppler ultrasonography. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and rocuronium, and was maintained with sevoflurane and remifentanil. After induction of anesthesia, the central venous pressure and cardiac index showed remarkably high values because of arteriovenous shunt. When the aneurysm was incised after the clamping of the abdominal aorta, massive venous bleeding occurred from the fistula and caused severe hypotension. Blood pressure recovered by digital compression of the bleeding point and the use of an autotransfusion device. After the repair of the aortocaval fistula, the hemodynamics became stable. The patient had a high output but a good cardiac function in preoperative examination. Therefore anesthesia was managed successfully without worsening high-output heart failure.