A case of unilateral leg edema due to abdominal aortic aneurysm with aortocaval fistula.

A case of unilateral leg edema due to abdominal aortic aneurysm with aortocaval fistula.

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2007

Abstract

Takaseya T,
Hiromatsu S,
Akashi H,
Okazaki T,
Tobinaga S,
Aoyagi S.
Department of Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.

Aortocaval fistula (ACF) is a rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and its preoperative diagnosis is often difficult. A 71-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to unilateral leg edema. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) showed an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a common iliac aortic aneurysm (CIAA) and ACF was suspected. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed, enabling us to identify the region of ACF with AAA preoperatively. ACF is associated with high mortality because it is difficult to control venous bleeding from ACF. Detailed preoperative diagnosis of ACF can provide many advantages to control bleeding from ACF during an operation.

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