Lethal aorto-oesophageal fistula 16 years after aortic prosthetic reconstruction: Delayed rupture as cause of death

The development of aorto-oesophageal fistula (AOF) is a rare complication following thoracic aortic repair. Mortality is high, in most cases due to fatal haematemesis. The clinical onset is variable, occurring approximately one year after surgery. We report a case of a lethal AOF in a 58-year-old ma...

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Published in:Medicine, science, and the law science, and the law, 2021-01, Vol.61 (1_suppl), p.146-149
Main Authors: Benedetti, Beatrice, Felice, Marica, Locco, Francesco, Roberti, Paola, Demontis, Roberto
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The development of aorto-oesophageal fistula (AOF) is a rare complication following thoracic aortic repair. Mortality is high, in most cases due to fatal haematemesis. The clinical onset is variable, occurring approximately one year after surgery. We report a case of a lethal AOF in a 58-year-old man. He underwent open vascular surgery 16 years prior to his death due to a rupture of the descending thoracic aorta. In the early 2000s, the open vascular approach was replaced by thoracic endovascular aortic repair. As a result of this approach, the number of surgical complications has reduced, with the exception of AOF.
ISSN:0025-8024
2042-1818
DOI:10.1177/0025802420936796