A Case of Secondary Aortoesophageal Fistula Inserted a Covered Self-Expanding Esophageal Stent to Control Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Abstract EN

A 73-year-old man presented with melena.

After a thorough workup including esophageal endoscopy, computed tomography scans, and esophagography, the diagnosis of secondary aortoesophageal fistula was made.

Two years previously, he had undergone endovascular stent-graft repair for the dissection of his descending thoracic aorta.

Because of the generally poor condition of the patient and the high risk of any aggressive surgical intervention, we inserted a covered self-expanding esophageal stent on postadmission day 18.

Esophagography after insertion did not show any evidence of a leak of contrast medium.

Despite treatment with antibiotics, he developed sepsis and expired on day 52, but rebleeding did not occur in this period.

We consider insertion of a covered self-expanding esophageal stent as a feasible option in the management of secondary aortoesophageal fistula in high-risk patients.