R-A Yegane1, R Bashtar, M Bashashati. 1. Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, Loqman-Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Kamali St, Tehran, Iran. yeganeh33_r@yahoo.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: Caustic agent ingestion may produce corrosive lesions that can extend beyond adjacent organs. We report three cases of aortoesophageal fistulas (AEF) after caustic ingestion that were diagnosed by autopsy. RESULTS: AEF is a fatal complication that should be suspected in any patient with caustic ingestion who presents with gastrointestinal bleeding. A high index of suspicion, early recognition by gastrointestinal endoscopy, computed tomography scan, and aortography are important to improve the outcome.
PURPOSE: Caustic agent ingestion may produce corrosive lesions that can extend beyond adjacent organs. We report three cases of aortoesophageal fistulas (AEF) after caustic ingestion that were diagnosed by autopsy. RESULTS: AEF is a fatal complication that should be suspected in any patient with caustic ingestion who presents with gastrointestinal bleeding. A high index of suspicion, early recognition by gastrointestinal endoscopy, computed tomography scan, and aortography are important to improve the outcome.