Aorto-Superior Vena Cava Fistula Secondary to Ascending Aortic Dissection

Authors

Talal Al-Assil, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of MedicineFollow
Aiden Michael Van Loo, Central Michigan University College of MedicineFollow
Bakri Kaakeh, Cardiothoracic Surgery Department, Covenant Hospital, Saginaw, MIFollow
Bashar Al Jayyousi, Department of Cardiology, Covenant HealthCare, Saginaw, MIFollow
Rania Esteitie, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Covenant Healthcare, Saginaw, MIFollow

Abstract

Aortic fistulas are a rare condition that can be fatal if not detected early. They can occur spontaneously or after trauma or vascular procedures. The most common aortic fistulas occur with the esophagus, intestines, atrium, and bronchi. Aorto-superior vena cava (SVC) fistulas are exceedingly rare finding. We present a patient with a dissected aortic pseudoaneurysm complicated by an aorto-SVC fistula, leading to left-to-right shunting. This caused increased pulmonary blood flow, left ventricular volume overload, and eventual high-output heart failure. This is a unique case of an aorto-SVC fistula as a complication of subacute/chronic ascending aortic dissection in a patient who underwent CABG. Clinicians should be aware of this condition, as it can be fatal despite treatment.

Recommended Citation

Al-Assil, Talal; Van Loo, Aiden Michael; Kaakeh, Bakri; Al Jayyousi, Bashar; and Esteitie, Rania (2024) "Aorto-Superior Vena Cava Fistula Secondary to Ascending Aortic Dissection," Journal of Shock and Hemodynamics: Vol. 2(1) :E2024215 DOI: https://doi.org/10.58464/2836-0605.1043

Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/josh/vol2/iss1/5