Midthoracic Pain, Sentinel Arterial Haemorrhage and Exsanguination after a Symptom-Free Interval (Chiari's Triad) is Diagnostic of Arterio-Oesophageal Fistula: A Life-Threatening Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding
  • Andra Glodean
    Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
  • Rainer Grobholz
    Institute of Pathology, Cantonal Hospital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland; Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Karim El-Hag
    Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
  • Mairi Ziaka
    Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland
  • Jean-Paul Schmid
    Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic Barmelweid, Barmelweid, Switzerland; Medical Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

Keywords

Subclavian arterio-oesophageal fistula, oesophageal carcinoma, gastrointestinal bleeding, Chiari’s triad, exsanguination, sentinel arterial haemorrhage

Abstract

Introduction: Arterio-oesophageal fistulae are a very uncommon cause of severe gastrointestinal bleeding, and mostly result from an aberrant right subclavian artery and mediastinal surgery or prolonged endotracheal/nasogastric intubation.
Material and Methods: We present the case of a patient with an oesophageal adenocarcinoma and haematemesis due to a subclavian arterio-oesophageal fistula after mediastinal radiotherapy. 
Conclusion: We discuss the rare, life-threatening condition of acute erosion of the left subclavian artery caused by an oesophageal tumour and presenting with Chiari's triad.

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    Published: 2021-02-23
    Issue: 2021: Vol 8 No 2 (view)

    How to cite:
    1.
    Glodean A, Grobholz R, El-Hag K, Ziaka M, Schmid J-P. Midthoracic Pain, Sentinel Arterial Haemorrhage and Exsanguination after a Symptom-Free Interval (Chiari’s Triad) is Diagnostic of Arterio-Oesophageal Fistula: A Life-Threatening Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding. EJCRIM 2021;8 doi:10.12890/2021_002134.