Fistulisation of an iliac pseudoaneurysm into the appendix. Presentation of a case and a review of the literature

A case of ilioappendiceal fistula is presented. The patient had previously been operated on for a ruptured aneurysm of the common iliac artery. 21 years later he developed occult gastrointestinal bleeding without signs of infection. Colonoscopy revealed bloody faeces and an isotope scan haemorrhage in the ascending colon. Laparotomy and right hemicolectomy was performed without identifying the fistula. The head of the appendix was left attached to the scarred peritoneal wall. As the bleeding continued, a second laparotomy was performed revealing an iliac pseudoaneurysm with fistulisation into the head of the appendix. Vascular reconstruction was attempted, but the patient succumbed to massive bleeding on the operating table.