Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and aortocaval fistula: a highly lethal find

Within the spectrum of abdominal aortic aneurysm, various complications can arise, including the development of an arteriovenous fistula connecting this major vessel to the infrarenal inferior vena cava. This report presents the case of a 70-year-old man with sudden, intense abdominal pain and syncope, found intraoperatively to have an aortocaval fistula due to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient underwent emergency care, including fistula closure and placement of a Dacron aortobifemoral graft. Aortocaval fistula is a rare complication of aortic aneurysmal disease, with clinical manifestations varying depending on disease progression, leading to high morbidity and mortality both before and after surgical or interventional treatment.