Aorto-oesophageal fistula complicating carcinoma of the oesophagus. Review of the literature and report of a case following irradiation and cytostatic therapy.

Aortic perforation complicating carcinoma of the oesophagus is extremely uncommon. In keeping with findings in the literature, the aortic wall in this case was damaged by secondary changes following irradiation and Bleomycin treatment. Extensive necrosis of normal tissues was a prominent feature and it is suggested that the action of radiation in combination with cytostatic therapy on normal tissues need further investigation.