A Rare Complication of Aortic Coarctation: Aneurysm and Aortoesophageal Fistula

Abstract

Introduction: Rupture of an aortic aneurysm and aortoesophageal fistula formation is a rare but serious complication of aortic coarctation. Case Presentation: A 13-year-old girl was admitted with a minor haematemesis in whom computed tomography examination showed aortic coarctation and a poststenotic aneurysm surrounded by a haematoma and right aberrant subclavian artery. An endoscopic examination revealed bleeding from a small orifice at the posterior wall of proximal esophagus which is suggestive of an aortoesophageal fistula. Resection of coarctation and aneurysmatic segment, graft replacement and closure of aortoesophageal fistula were performed with no complication. Conclusions: As major complications such as aortic aneurysm and aortoesophageal fistula are rarely reported in children with previously undiagnosed aortic coarctation, this entity must be kept in mind for the patients who present with vomiting even small amounts of blood. Also the X-ray findings of aortic coarctation and its' complications must be aware by the clinicians and radiologists.