Author(s): Henrique, Alberto ; Quintas, Anita ; Aragão Morais, José ; Oliveira Martins, Francisco ; Garcia, Rita ; Bento, Rita ; Pais, Fábio ; Ferreira, Maria Emília
Date: 2023
Origin: Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular
Subject(s): Aortic aneurysm; endovascular; graft infection; aortoesophageal fistula; thoracic aorta
INTRODUCTION: Secondary Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but serious complication following thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), which may lead to fatal outcomes. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 62-year-old patient developing a secondary AEF one-month after TEVAR. The patient was managed in a staged approach: first, an oesophagus defunctionalisation by cervical oesophagus stapling, followed by drainage gastrostomy and creation of a feeding jejunostomy. Two-weeks later, the patient underwent stent graft explantation, extensive debridement, in situ aortic reconstruction with interposition of a silver and Triclosan impregnated Dacron graft, esophagectomy, eosophagogastrostomy and intercostal muscle flap plasty. After 4 years of follow-up, the patient remains clinically well and free from recurrence. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of AEF requires a high index of suspicion. A prompt and aggressive multidisciplinary approach is necessary to obtain long-term survival and freedom from recurrence.
