Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Secondary to Aortoenteric Fistula

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is an uncommon condition that can present with severe gastrointestinal bleeding. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman with small-cell lung carcinoma and a known abdominal aortic aneurysm who arrived in hemorrhagic shock after massive hematemesis. CT angiography revealed direct communication between the aorta and the duodenum, consistent with an AEF. Despite resuscitation measures, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and coordination with vascular surgery, her clinical condition deteriorated rapidly prior to transfer for operative treatment. The patient died within hours. This case illustrates the rapidly progressive nature of AEF presentations and reinforces the need for early recognition and coordinated management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.98343
Primary Topic
Infectious Aortic and Vascular Conditions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Secondary to Aortoenteric Fistula

Carolina Náglio Kalil Dias, Teresa Guimarães, Ana Filipa Pires, G. Sempere Campello
Cureus
Infectious Aortic and Vascular Conditions
article

Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Secondary to Aortoenteric Fistula

Carolina Náglio Kalil Dias, Teresa Guimarães, Ana Filipa Pires, G. Sempere Campello
article en

Abstract

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is an uncommon condition that can present with severe gastrointestinal bleeding. We report the case of a 70-year-old woman with small-cell lung carcinoma and a known abdominal aortic aneurysm who arrived in hemorrhagic shock after massive hematemesis. CT angiography revealed direct communication between the aorta and the duodenum, consistent with an AEF. Despite resuscitation measures, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and coordination with vascular surgery, her clinical condition deteriorated rapidly prior to transfer for operative treatment. The patient died within hours. This case illustrates the rapidly progressive nature of AEF presentations and reinforces the need for early recognition and coordinated management.

CureusVol. 17(12)
Hospital Padre Américo (PT), Centro Hospitalar do Tâmega e Sousa (PT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 43%
Infectious Aortic and Vascular Conditions
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