Paraprosthetic-enteric fistula.

A case of paraprosthetic-enteric fistula is presented and the total reported literature of 21 cases is reviewed. Paraprosthetic-enteric fistula is a complication of aortic revascularization with synthetic prostheses. The entity is characterized by erosion of the gastrointestinal tract by an underlying prosthesis but absence of a true fistulous communication with the aortic lumen. It is both a distinct pathologic entity and a step in the formation of a true aortoenteric fistula with suture line involvement. The most frequent clinical manifestations are sepsis and gastrointestinal bleeding, but nonspecific abdominal pain is present occasionally as well. The distal duodenum is the portion of the gastrointestinal tract involved most commonly. Diagnostic evaluation should include endoscopy, aortography, and barium contrast studies. Venous and femoral arterial blood cultures also should be done in patients presenting with sepsis. Treatment should consist of either graft excision with extra-anatomic revascularization or graft excision alone when dealing with a previously thrombosed prosthesis.