Thoracic endovascular aortic repair in management of aorto-oesophageal fistulas: a case series

BACKGROUND : Aorto-oesophageal fistula (AOF) is a rare, catastrophic disease with an extremely poor prognosis. A ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm is a common aetiology for AOF. The clinical presentation is usually massive haematemesis and collapse. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing AOF. CASE SUMMARY : We hereby report two cases of AOF, who underwent successful emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to control active bleed and exsanguination. Case 1, an elderly lady with atherosclerotic aneurysm had TEVAR followed by open surgery for oesophageal rent and necrosed left main bronchus. Case 2 had mycotic tubercular aneurysm who later had infected graft-stent following TEVAR. DISCUSSION : Open surgery is the conventional treatment for AOF; however, TEVAR can be an alternative and less invasive approach in selected high-risk patients. Various management issues related to TEVAR with AOF have been discussed in the article.