Chronic Ilio-Caval Fistula Presenting 23 years later as Congestive Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Abstract:Chronic aortocaval fistula (ACF) is a rare complication of gunshot wounds to the abdomen, and poses a difficult problem to diagnose. It's also known as bursting heart syndrome. We report a 43 years old man diagnosed with ilio-caval fistula secondary to bullet abdominal injury 23 years ago. The diagnosis was delayed, hence his symptoms at presentation were due to high output heart failure. An endovascular technique was done successfully. Chronic aortocaval fistula (ACF) is an infrequently reported sequel of trauma and CHF in a young male patient. History of penetrating abdominal trauma should alert the surgeon to this rare complication. To note that most of these cases have been repaired via open approach.

Iatrogenic Iliac Arteriovenous Fistula Presenting with Heart Failure Symptoms After Ruptured Ovarian Cyst Surgery

“…Fistula development after vascular damage can be as acute as it was in our case, or it can occur as a long-term complication even after several decades. 4 The size of the fistula between the artery and vein is an important determinant for the patient's clinical presentation. While 80% of those patients have murmur on the fistula area, congestive heart failure is observed in 35%, cardio-pulmonary symptoms in 65%, and leg edema in 40%.…”