Arterial-esophageal fistula: a severe complication in children with cardiovascular abnormalities.

Abstract

Fistulae between esophagus and major arteries are an extremely rare and severe condition. They have been described in patients with previous impairment or abnormalities of mediastinal vessels and intraesophageal increased pressure or as a complication of cardiovascular procedures. We report three cases of children with an aorto-esophageal fistula, a collateral pulmonary artery-esophageal fistula and an aberrant right subclavian artery-esophageal fistula that were successfully managed in coordination with pediatricians, anesthesiologists and both cardiovascular and pediatric surgeons. The severity of this pathology makes it important to suspect it and treat it by a multidisciplinary group of physicians.

• Authors: Sara Fuentes, Indalecio Cano, María López, Cecilia Moreno, Raquel Tejedor, Stefano Marianeschi, Enrique García, Andrés Gómez
• Journal: Pediatric surgery international (Pediatr Surg Int) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 335-7 (Mar 2010) ISSN: 1437-9813 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 19921214 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aorta, Thoracic (abnormalities)
• Collateral Circulation
• Esophageal Fistula (etiology, surgery)
• Esophagoscopy
• Female
• Heart Defects, Congenital (complications, surgery)
• Humans
• Iatrogenic Disease
• Infant
• Male
• Postoperative Complications (surgery)
• Pulmonary Artery (abnormalities)
• Subclavian Artery (abnormalities)