WHAT IS A aortic fistula?
WHAT IS A aortic fistula?
A fistula is an abnormal, tubelike connection between two structures inside the body. When the connection is between the aorta and a loop of bowel that is near the aorta it is known as an aortoenteric fistula (AEF).
How is Aortoenteric fistula diagnosed?
Symptomatology can be varied but most often includes signs of infection and of gastrointestinal bleeding. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and computed tomography (CT) scans are the most useful tests to diagnose AEF. Treatment almost always requires excision of the infected graft and revascularization.
What causes AEF?
AEF is defined as an abnormal connection between the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract. It is most often the result of compression of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) against (primary cause), or erosion of an aortic prosthetic graft into (secondary cause), the surrounding gastrointestinal structures.
What is an aortic aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and torso. Aortic aneurysms can dissect or rupture: The force of blood pumping can split the layers of the artery wall, allowing blood to leak in between them.
Which of the following is the most common location of Aortoenteric fistula formation?
The third or fourth portion of the duodenum is the most common site for aortoenteric fistulas, followed by the jejunum and ileum.
What does Endoleak mean?
An endoleak is a complication that affects about 15-25% of patients who have EVAR. It means that some amount of blood flow still remains in the aneurysm cavity.
How is a mycotic aneurysm diagnosed?
Lab tests that will confirm the diagnosis of mycotic aneurysm are positive blood cultures (bacterial + fungal) in conjuction with imaging tests and physical exam that suspect the diagnosis. A negative blood culture does not rule out mycotic aneurysm!
What is the meaning of fistula?
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts, such as an organ or blood vessel and another structure. Fistulas are usually the result of an injury or surgery. Infection or inflammation can also cause a fistula to form.
How serious is an endoleak?
Occasionally, blood will still flow into the aneurysm sac even after a stent graft is in place; this flow, called an endoleak, can become potentially life threatening. Our interventional radiologists are specialists in endoleak repairs and treatment of the areas of the body in which the repairs take place.