Aorto-bronchial fistula masquerading as haematemesis: a rare late complication of thoracic aortic vascular grafts.

Aorto-bronchial fistula is an exceedingly rare pathology with high mortality. Late vascular graft infection may occur secondary to haematogenous seeding of bacteria from a distant source such as gastrointestinal infection. We present an unusual case of aorto-bronchial fistula masquerading as haematemesis in a patient with sigmoid diverticulitis, and review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, surgical and endovascular management of aorto-bronchial fistulas.

Impact of inter-hospital transfer on success of angioembolization for lower gastrointestinal bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Angioembolization is a useful therapeutic tool for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) however is only available at centres with specialist interventional radiology departments. Delay in angioembolization of greater than 120-150 minutes is associated with higher rates of non-therapeutic angioembolization. METHODS: This retrospective review analysed the impact of interhospital transfer on timing and success of angioembolization in adults with LGIB. RESULTS: Of the 121 patients who underwent CTMA at a peripheral hospital for LGIB, only 20.7% had positive CTMA (n = 25). Of the 24 patients who were transferred for the purpose of angioembolization, only five ultimately had successful embolisation (20.1%). Patients who had unsuccessful angioembolization had a significantly longer mean time from arrival at the tertiary hospital to angioembolization compared to patients who had successful angioembolization (mean 375 versus 175 min, P = 0.001). There was no association of patient haemodynamics, use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, and transfusion requirement with success of angioembolization. CONCLUSION: Interhospital transfer is associated with delay in angioembolization. Delay after arrival at the receiving hospital is associated with unsuccessful angioembolization.

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm with rupture: an atypical cause of abdominal pain.

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysm management has evolved in the last 20 years with a greater emphasis on interventional radiological intervention. This case reviews a 60-year-old lady who had a ruptured superior mesenteric aneurysm resulting in a large mesenteric haematoma.