aortoenteric fistula

Full Definition

An aortoenteric fistula is a pathological connection between the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the duodenum. This rare but life-threatening complication typically occurs months to years after aortic reconstruction with prosthetic grafts, where mechanical erosion or infection leads to communication between the graft and adjacent bowel. Primary aortoenteric fistulas can occur spontaneously from aortic aneurysms eroding into bowel. The condition presents with gastrointestinal bleeding and requires emergency surgical repair with graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass.

In Context

• "Secondary aortoenteric fistula developed five years after infrarenal aortic graft placement." — Surgical case series
• "CT angiography revealed contrast extravasation consistent with aortoenteric fistula formation." — Radiology report