Esophageal fistula after endovascular treatment in a type B aortic dissection of the descending thoracic aorta.

Abstract

We report a type B aortic dissection treated with stenting of the descending thoracic aorta that subsequently developed an ischemic necrosis of the esophagus with a posterior mediastinum abscess. The surgical treatment consisted of an extra-anatomic bypass to revascularize the supra-aortic trunks and the distal abdominal aorta through a middle sternal laparotomy, the resection of the thoracic aorta, and the drainage of the mediastinal abscess. Despite this aggressive surgical approach and an initial favorable postoperative course, the patient suddenly died 3 weeks later, likely from a rupture of the aortic stump.