Clinical characteristics and prognostic analysis of aortoesophageal fistula / 中华消化内镜杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the pathogenesis,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of aort-oesophageal fistula(AEF).Methods Retropective analysis was performed on 6 patients presenting with AEF between January 2002 and December 2014,and relative literature was reviewed on its pathogenesis,di-agnosis,prognosis and treatment.Results Five men and 1 woman with a mean age of 49 (range,27-71 years)were recruited to the study.One case of AEF was caused by esophageal foreign body,2 cases were caused by aneurysm while the other 3 patients presented AEF after aortic surgery.All 6 patients showed he-matemesis,among whom 3 presented sentinel hemorrhage,1 presented exsanguination after sentinel hemor-rhage,2 presented sudden exsanguination.Among 4 patients with sentinel hemorrhage,2 accompanied with chest pain,1 with dysphagia and 1 with fever.Two patients had a history of hypertension.Diagnostic rate was nearly 100% by gastroscopy or CT/CTA.Four patients died from hemorrhagic shock and 2 patients re-covered from surgery.Conclusion AEF should be seriously considered for patients with a history of hyper-tension,aortic disease or esophageal foreign body presenting sentinel hemorrhage,chest pain,dysphagia,fa-tal exsanguination followed by symptom-free interval.Prompt examinations and aggressive surgery are of great significance for survival.