Annals of vascular surgery
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Review Case Reports
Arterioesophageal fistula: a rare complication of retroesophageal subclavian arteries.
Formation of a fistula between a retroesophageal subclavian artery and the esophagus is a rare cause of hematemesis that is usually fatal. Several etiologies have been described. ⋯ Arteriography in the operating room confirmed the presence of a fistula and also allowed temporary hemostasis by tamponade. On the basis of a review of the literature, this case demonstrates the importance of screening patients requiring prolonged nasogastric intubation to rule out the possibility of an aberrant aortic arch system.