Aorto-Esophageal Fistula: A Rare Fatal Case of Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Caused by Foreign Body

Aorto-oesophageal fistula (AOF) is a rare cause of upper gastro-intestinal hemorrhage. A fistulous tract develops between the aorta and the esophagus most commonly in association with thoracic aortic aneurysms, foreign bodies, esophageal malignancy, and the presence of an aortic prosthetic graft or following trauma [1]. High mortality still accompanies the cases [2]. We report a case of AEF caused by a fish bone. Computed tomography demonstrated a fistula from the proximal descending thoracic aorta to the mid esophagus.This patient died when rupture into the esophageal lumen caused exsanguinating hemorrhage.Their clinical causes and treatment are reviewed and discussed below.