Secondary aortoesophageal fistula initially presented with empyema after thoracic aortic stent grafting: A case report.

Background: Massive upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is usually urgent and severe, and is mostly caused by GI diseases. Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) after thoracic aortic stent grafting is a rare cause of this condition, and has a poor prognosis with a high mortality rate. The clinical symptoms of AEF are usually nonspecific, and the diagnosis is often difficult, especially when upper GI bleeding is absent.