• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.10 s.255
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• pp.721-724
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• 2005

Aortocaval fistula is a rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm, involving less than $1\%$ of all abdominal aortic aneurysms. A 64-years old man with a long history of hypertension and abdominal aortic aneurysm had chest pain, dyspnea, epigastric discomfort and palpable abdominal pulsating mass. Physical examination revealed hypo­tension with a systolic blood pressure of 70 mmHg, a large pulsatile mass and a systolic abdominal bruit. Laboratory data revealed a hemoglobin values of 11.0 g/dL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) value of 5 mg/dL, and creatine value of $2.5 mg\%$. Abdominal Angio CT showed a 10cm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with dilatation of the IVC and aortocaval fistula from the aortic aneurysm, which was confirmed at emergency surgery. When the aneurysm was opened and the thrombus was removed, a 1 cm communication was identified between the aorta and IVC. This was controlled with Foley catheters ballooning, and the fistula was closed by continuous suture placed outside the aneurysm. A bifurcated aorto-iliac graft was used to restore arterial continuity. The patient was discharged home after uncomplicated postoperative course.