Endovascular treatment of aortic stump blow-out after extra-anatomical repair of aortoduodenal fistula: a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND: An aortoduodenal fistula (ADF) is an unusual, but serious complication following surgical or endovascular aortic repair. The optimal treatment for ADF consists of removal of the infected graft with in situ or extra-anatomical repair and is associated with high mortality. Part of this mortality is caused by re-bleeding or aortic stump ruptures. Classical treatment of an aortic stump rupture involves immediate re-laparotomy, removal of infected tissue, aortic stump formation and reinforcement with soft tissue flaps. However, this invasive treatment is often difficult to perform and the condition of the patient frequently requires a more rapid response. We describe a case in which an aortic stump rupture was treated endovascularly by using an Amplatzer® Vascular Plug, which successfully stopped the bleeding. CASE PRESENTATION: This report describes a 67-year-old man who was presented with persistent duodenal leakage (due to secondary duodenal perforation) after resection and open in-situ repair of an infected aorto-bi-femoral prosthetic graft. An extra-anatomical reconstruction was performed with an axillo-bi-femoral bypass, followed by excision of the prosthesis, aortic stump formation, partial duodenal resection and duodenojejunal reconstruction. Twelve weeks later, sudden severe hematemesis with severe hemodynamic instability occurred. Computed tomography angiography showed extravasation of blood from the aortic stump into the duodenal loop. Endovascular treatment of the aortic stump blow-out with an Amplatzer® Vascular Plug was performed, which successfully stopped the bleeding and stabilized the patient. The duodenal fistula was treated conservatively. Three months later, the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation clinic in a good clinical condition. The patient was still alive after a follow-up of 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Rapid treatment is requested in cases of aortic stump rupture. Re-laparotomy is practically never the most suitable solution and most of these aortic stump ruptures are fatal. Endovascular treatment could be a suitable alternative. Whether the endovascular treatment of aortic stump rupture is a definitive treatment or a bridge to surgery remains to be elucidated.