Abstract
A fistula between the inferior vena cava and aorta is a rare finding, occurring in 0.2–1.3% of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). The incidence is 1% in asymptomatic and 3–4% in symptomatic aneurysms. Most fistulas occur as a complication of AAA, but 5–10% can occur because of mycotic aneurysms. Ehlers-Danlos and Marfan's syndromes or Takayasu's arteritis can also cause fistulas. Rarely low-velocity penetrating trauma, such as a stab wound, can result in an aortocaval fistula. However, the majority of penetrating injuries to the aorta result in either death or hemodynamic instability necessitating surgical exploration, such that a fistula does not have the opportunity to form. Nevertheless, congestive heart failure in a young patient with a history of trauma should alert the physician to a possible aortocaval fistula.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Davis, P.M., P. Gloviczki, and K.J. Cherry, Aorto-caval and ilio-iliac ateriovenous fistulae: Rare and challenging problems. Am J Surg, 1998. 176:115.
Phillips, A.W., A. Chaudhuri, and F.J. Meyer, Bilateral long saphenous bruits: A marker of aortocaval fistula. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg, 2006. 32:529–531.
Dardik, H., I. Dardik, M.G. Strom, L. Attai, N. Carnevale, and F.J. Veith, Intravenous rupture of arteriosclerotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Surgery, 1976. 80: 647–651.
Boudghene, F., et al., Aortocaval fistulae: A percutaneous model and treatment with stent grafts in sheep. Circulation, 1996. 94:108–112.
Maeda, H., et al., Surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with an aortocaval and iliac vein fistula. Surg Today, 2007. 37:445–448.
Pathak, S., et al., Endovascular repair of a recurrent aortocaval fistula and anastamotic false aneurysm. Brit J Radiol, 2006. 79:e62–e63.
Vetrhus, M., et al., Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms with aortocaval fistula. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg, 2005. 30:640–643.
Kashyap, V.S., et al., Aortocaval fistula. J Am Coll Surg, 2006. 203(5):780.
Waldrop, J.L., Jr., B.W.t. Dart, and D.E. Barker, Endovascular stent graft treatment of a traumatic aortocaval fistula. Ann Vasc Surg, 2005. 19:562–565.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Fitzgerald, T.N., Muhs, B.E., Dardik, A. (2009). Aortocaval Fistula. In: Upchurch, G.R., Criado, E. (eds) Aortic Aneurysms. Contemporary Cardiology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-204-9_21
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-204-9_21
Publisher Name: Humana Press
Print ISBN: 978-1-60327-203-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-60327-204-9
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)