Endovascular repair of a spontaneous ilio-iliac fistula presenting as pulmonary embolism.

Spontaneous rupture of a common iliac artery aneurysm into the common iliac vein is a rare phenomenon. We report the case of a 68 year old man admitted with acute cardiac failure and massive pulmonary embolism as a complication of a spontaneous ilio-iliac fistula, secondary to aneurysmal rupture. The aneurysm was successfully excluded using an aorto-uni-iliac stent graft. No complications were noted at 9 months follow-up. Arteriovenous fistulae should be considered in patients with aortic or iliac aneurysms who develop a pulmonary embolism or symptoms of venous congestion. Endovascular repair of these pathologies is a feasible therapeutic option; however long term results remain unknown.