Hemorrhage in the upper digestive tract caused by an aorto-esophageal fistula.

The case of a 75-year-old patient admitted to our Center with hematemesis is presented. At oral endoscopy a pulsating vegetative mass was found in the distal third of the esophagus, which aroused suspicion of an aortic aneurysm fistulized to the esophagus; this was confirmed by arteriography. He underwent two surgical procedures, the aneurysm being resected and replaced by an aortic prosthesis, and esophagectomy performed. The patient died of postoperative complications. The endoscopic appearance is shown.