CT of Aortoenteric Fistulas

Abstract
CT [computed tomography] findings were compared with endoscopic, angiographic and surgical results in 10 patients suspected of having an aortoenteric fistula (AEF) because of gastrointestinal bleeding (7) or recurrent sepsis (3). CT correctly diagnosed AEF in 6 patients and excluded it in the other 4. CT findings of AEF consisted of perigraft fluid (PGF) (5/6) and/or gas within the bed of the graft (4/6) later than 3 mo. after graft surgery. All 6 patients with AEF had perigraft infections; PGF with gas was found in 50%, PGF alone in 33%, and in 1 patient perigraft gas alone was found. Angiography and endoscopy failed to identify AEF. CT apparently should be the initial imaging procedure in patients with suspected AEF who do not require immediate surgical intervention.