Abstract

An aortoenteric fi stula (AEF) is an abnormal communication between the aorta and the digestive tract. The incidence of primary fi stulas ranges from 0.04%-0.07%, and 0.4-2.4% for secondary etiology. The duodenum is the most affected segment. There is a classic triad present in 11-28% of patients: abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, and pulsatile mass in abdomen.

Computed tomography (CT) is the diagnostic method of choice. Two cases of AEF of primary and secondary etiology are presented, both of whom underwent conventional surgical treatment: extra-anatomical bypass with excision of the fi stulous tract. The AEFs are diseases of low incidence but high mortality (> 75%), but to avoid delays in treatment a high index of suspicion is required.