Diagnosis and management of aortoesophageal fistula caused by a foreign body.

Aortoesophageal fistula is a rare cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage often resulting in mortality. A case of aortoesophageal fistula caused by a swallowed fish bone leading to respiratory arrest is reported. The clinical presentation was unusual. The successful treatment required the use of hypothermic circulatory arrest.