aortoesophageal fistula

Summary

Introduction. Aortoesophageal fistula is a rare condition defined as an abnormal connection between the aorta and esophagus. Due to the risk of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding, aortoesophageal fistula is life-threatening and has low survival rate. Although Chiari’s triad is considered a classic presentation, it appears in fewer than half of aortoesophageal fistula cases, and a definitive diagnosis is often made post-mortem.