Aortoenteric fistulas: spectrum of MDCT findings

Abstract

An aortoenteric fistula is an abnormal communication between the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract wall. The high mortality associated with this rare entity means it requires early accurate diagnosis. Aortoenteric fistulas are classified as primary when they develop on a native aorta that has not undergone an intervention and as secondary when they develop after vascular repair surgery. All radiologists need to be able to recognize the direct and indirect signs that might suggest the presence of an aortoenteric fistula. This article reviews the types of aortoenteric fistulas and their clinical and pathophysiological correlation, as well as the diagnostic algorithm, illustrating the most characteristic findings on multidetector computed tomography.

Keywords: Aortic Diseases/pathology; Computed Tomography Angiography; Digestive System Fistula/diagnostic imaging; Enfermedad/patología aórtica; Fístula digestiva; Fístula vascular; Tomografía computarizada; Vascular Fistula/diagnostic imaging.