Spontaneous aortocaval fistula: a case report and literature review

Spontaneous aortocaval fistula is a rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms. We describe two cases of spontaneous aortocaval fistula. The first patient is a woman who was admitted with abdominal pain and pulsatile abdominal mass. Another patient was a man admitted with progressive abdominal pain and hypotension. Computed tomography (CT) scan in both patients showed an infrarenal aortic aneurysm and simultaneous contrast enhancement in the inferior vena cava. Both patients underwent an urgent laparotomy in which the diagnosis of an aortocaval fistula was confirmed. We review the literature on spontaneous aortocaval fistula as a consequenceof complicated aortic aneurysms.     

Acute aortocaval fistula: role of low perfusion pressure and subendocardial remodeling on left ventricular function

The experimental model of aortocaval fistula is a useful model of cardiac hypertrophy in response to volume overload. In the present study it has been used to investigate the pathologic subendocardial remodeling associated with the development of heart failure during the early phases (day 1, 3, and 7) following volume overload. Compared with sham treated rats, aortocaval fistula rats showed lower systemic blood pressure and higher left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure This resulted in lower coronary driving pressure and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction. Signs of myocyte necrosis, leukocyte cell infiltration, fibroplasia and collagen deposition appeared sequentially in the subendocardium where remodeling was more prominent than in the non‐subendocardium. Accordingly, increased levels of TNF‐alpha, IL‐1 beta, and IL‐6, and enhanced MMP‐2 activity were all found in the subendocardium of rats with coronary driving pressure ≤60 mmHg. The coronary driving pressure was inversely correlated with MMP‐2 activity in subendocardium in all time‐points studied, and blood flow in this region showed positive correlation with systolic and diastolic function at day 7. Thus the predominant subendocardial remodeling that occurs in response to low myocardial perfusion pressure during the acute phases of aortocaval fistula contributes to early left ventricular dysfunction.     

Spontaneous stercoral fistula due to oxyurids: apropos of 1 case

A spontaneous stercoral fistula containing pinworms was observed in a patient, 35 years after an appendicectomy. The various surgical complications of oxyuriasis are reviewed, in particular, the possibilities for the parasite to traverse the intestinal wall. In the case reported here, it appears that infiltration occurred in the external wall of the caecum.     

Spontaneous intracerebral hematoma from transient occult carotid-cavernous fistula: a case report

After the spontaneous relief of initial symptoms by traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF), paradoxical worsening of patient's condition can be followed. We present a case of a 60-yr-old man whose audible bruit from a traumatic CCF had completely disappeared. A few days later, however, the patient had spontaneous intracerebral hematoma with cortical venous drainage. Complete obliteration of the fistula was achieved after embolization. When initial audible bruit in traumatic CCF disappears suddenly, cerebral angiography should be performed to differentiate venous hypertension by the hemodynamic changes of the cavernous sinus channels from spontaneous resolution of CCF.     

Spontaneous internal ilio-iliac fistula in an elderly woman presenting as heart failure

Acquired intra-abdominal arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are a rare disorder where the communication most commonly occurs between abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava. Ilio-iliac AVF has been reported previously, but is exceedingly rare. We present a case of spontaneous ilio-iliac AVF in an elderly woman who presented with symptoms of right heart failure where the diagnosis was not considered. The computed tomographic (CT) and angiographic features are described. The current status of management as well as a review of the literature is also presented.     

Spontaneous closure of iatrogenic coronary artery fistula to left ventricle after septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Cases of iatrogenic coronary artery fistulas draining into the left ventricle after surgical myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy have been published as sporadic reports. However, its management scheme and prognosis are not clear because of the low incidence. A 46-yr-old woman was hospitalized for evaluation of chest pain and shortness of breath for 3 months. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination showed typical hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with a peak pressure gradient of 71 mmHg across the left ventricular outflow tract. The patient underwent surgical septal myectomy. Postoperative color Doppler imaging revealed a diastolic blood flow from the interventricular septal myocardium to the left ventricular cavity, i.e. iatrogenic coronary artery fistula to the left ventricle. Ten days later, the fistula closed spontaneously which was diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography and confirmed by coronary angiography.     

Gastrocolic fistula

Peptic ulcer disease is a less common cause of gastrocolic fistula than either carcinoma of the stomach or colon. However, use of steroids or aspirin appear to make this a more common complication of benign disease. The typical symptoms are pain, diarrhea, weight loss, foul eructation, and feculent vomiting. The most accurate method of diagnosis is with barium enema. The treatment is surgical.     

Nephrocutaneous fistula

The author presents a case of spontaneous nephrocutaneous fistula associated with a complete staghorn calculus in a nonfunctioning kidney. A renal scan, an intravenous pyelogram, and a right retrograde pyelogram confirmed the need for a nephrectomy. The procedure and results are described here.     

Traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula

Carotid-cavernous fistula is uncommon consequence of craniocerebral trauma. Earlier recognition of the patients with carotid-cavernous fistula and shorter time of delay in treatment could save patients from complications and vision loss. A 27-year-old man presented with severe craniocerebral injury after an car accident. He required emergent craniotomy for an open depressed cranial fractures, haemostasis and epidural hematoma. Three months later, the patient began to exhibit progressive chemosis and proptosis of left eye. Computed tomography and cerebral angiography revealed findings consistent with a carotid-cavernous fistula. Angiography revealed a fistula between carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The patient was treated by transarterial embolization resulting in immediate and permanent occlusion of the fistula and improved visual acuity after six months follow-up. Posttraumatic carotid-cavernous fistula may be treated successfully with the use of transarterial coil embolization.     

Persistent frontal fistula

The frontal sinus is prone to various complications--usually secondary to blockage of the fronto-nasal duct and stagnation of frontal sinus secretions. These pent-up secretions may result in pressure necrosis of the inferior or posterior sinus wall. Involvement of anterior wall is uncommon. We present a case of an anterior wall frontal sinus fistula and discuss its management.