Aorto-caval fistula: a clinical spectrum.

Ten cases of aortocaval fistula (ACF) associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were reviewed. In 5 cases the ACF became apparent after evacuation of the thrombus; only 5 patients presented with features of patent ACF. Four patients in addition presented with extra-caval rupture of the aneurysm. Based on these variables, a classification relating ACF and AAA was developed. In this series all patients were male with a mean aneurysm size of 8.5 cm. All patients required bifurcation grafts for reconstruction. A multifactorial etiology related to enlargement and rupture of all aneurysms seems to apply to ACF. Eight of 10 patients survived. Awareness of this entity and proper preparation allow for successful outcome in the treatment of this condition.