Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Feb 1998
Case Reports[Gastrointestinal hemorrhage after operation for dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta].
We present the case of a 45-year-old man who underwent surgical repair of a dissecting aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta. 25 days postoperatively, the patient unexpectedly developed hematemesis and hypovolemic shock. Emergency gastroscopy was performed and a suspected aortoesophageal fistula was diagnosed. ⋯ Once this rare, but life-threatening complication is suspected, endoscopy must be performed immediately. Emergency surgery is associated with a high risk, but represents the only possibly chance of survival for the patient.