Aortocaval fistula as a complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Abstract

Six patients with an aortocaval frstula as a complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms are presented. The characteristic physical findings were present in only half of the patients. A high index of physician awareness of this clinical entity, even in the presence of minimal signs and symptoms, is necessary to avoid the serious complications of improper fluid management and embolization of aneurysmal contents to the lungs. Successful surgical closure of the fistula was accomplished from within the aneurysm in all patients.