Primary aortoduodenal fistula.

The aortoenteric fistula is a well-known but uncommon cause of gastrointestinal haemorrhage. It is usually secondary to previous reconstructive surgery of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Primary aortoenteric fistula is a rare disorder which predominantly occurs in the duodenum. We report the case of a 76-year-old patient who presented with melaena and hypovolaemic shock due to a primary aortoduodenal fistula. Pathogenesis, diagnostic procedures and postmortem pathologic examination of this condition are discussed. The value of computed tomography in establishing the diagnosis is emphasized.