Case Report
Copyright ©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Dec 21, 2009; 15(47): 6007-6009
Published online Dec 21, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.6007
Aortoesophageal fistula: A case misdiagnosed as esophageal polyp
Yue Jiao, Ye Zong, Zhong-Lin Yu, Yong-Zheng Yu, Shu-Tian Zhang
Yue Jiao, Ye Zong, Zhong-Lin Yu, Yong-Zheng Yu, Shu-Tian Zhang, Department of Digestive Diseases and Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100016, China
Author contributions: Jiao Y wrote the case report; Zong Y, Yu ZL, Yu YZ and Zhang ST followed up this case.
Correspondence to: Shu-Tian Zhang, PhD, Department of Digestive Diseases and Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100016, China. zhangst@ccmu.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-10-63138702 Fax: +86-10-63138067
Received: February 25, 2009
Revised: September 9, 2009
Accepted: September 16, 2009
Published online: December 21, 2009
Abstract

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare and fatal disorder. It is also a life-threatening cause of massive upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Thoracic aortic aneurysm is the most common cause of AEF. Management of a patient with this disorder requires rapid diagnosis and immediate intervention, which is considered the best way to save the patient’s life. We report a case of AEF misdiagnosed as esophageal polyp.

Keywords: Aortoesophageal fistula; Aortic aneurysm; Gastrointestinal bleeding