[Management of aortoesophageal fistula due to thoracic aortic aneurysm].

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but fatal disease without prompt diagnosis and treatment. A 82-year-old woman was admitted because of repeated hematemesis. Endoscopic examination suspected submucosal tumor with blood clot at the top on the mid-esophagus. The CT scan of the thorax and the aortography revealed a thoracic aortic aneurysm. AEF was diagnosed and the operation was performed. The ruptured aneurysm was resected and patched with Dacron graft. At the same time, subtotal esophagectomy with esophagostomy and gastrostomy were performed. The reconstruction at five weeks after operation induced oral intake. She died from an aspiration pneumonia five month later.