Abstract
Background: An aorto-duodenal fistula presents with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and hematemesis. Early diagnosis is difficult, and the disease is associated with high mortality. Sometimes, a small amount of bleeding, known as herald bleed, occurs repeatedly and may be judged as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, prompting emergency upper endoscopy. Diagnostic methods and surgical treatment during herald bleeding are important for saving lives. However, most fistulas form in the horizontal duodenum, and active bleeding is rarely found in patients with herald bleeding. Moreover, an aorto-duodenal fistula is rarely diagnosed based on upper endoscopy alone. Methods: The present study examined the clinical and endoscopic characteristics of aorto-duodenal fistula in eight patients who underwent upper endoscopy before diagnosis at our hospital. It also sought to clarify how aorto-duodenal fistula can be appropriately diagnosed. Results: All patients had a history of aortic treatment, and many could not be diagnosed by computed tomography scan or upper endoscopy alone. Regarding the endoscopic findings, patients were seen to have stent/vascular prosthesis exposure, which is diagnostic of aorto-duodenal fistula as well as pulsatile lesions and massive fresh bleeding of obscure origin in the duodenum. Conclusions: If the diagnosis is unclear, clinicians may need to observe the horizontal duodenum using a fitted tip attachment or long scope. Since vital signs may fluctuate during endoscopy, a series of tests should be performed immediately. Proactive placement of marking clips in likely areas of the fistula may facilitate diagnosis via computed tomography. The present results demonstrate that proper diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment save lives in patients with aorto-duodenal fistula.
Abstract No. 100 Analysis of findings on upper endoscopy versus patient outcomes in empiric embolization of the gastroduodenal artery for nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding related to duodenal ulcers
