Aorta-oesophageal fistula: a rare cause of gastrointestinal haemorrhage

Primary aorto-oesophageal fistula is a rare cause of massive and usually fatal gastrointestinal haemorrhage. We herein present a case of a 62-year-old chronic alcohol abuser who had a small haematemesis after a week of persistent vomiting. He succumbed to an exsanguinating bleed 36 hours after admission. An aorto-oesophageal fistula was found at autopsy. We emphasize the need for a high index of suspicion and recognition of premonitory signs for accurate diagnosis and management of this condition.